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Ponti F, Bono N, Russo L, Bigini P, Mantovani D, Candiani G. Vibropolyfection: coupling polymer-mediated gene delivery to mechanical stimulation to enhance transfection of adherent cells. J Nanobiotechnology 2022; 20:363. [PMID: 35933375 PMCID: PMC9356458 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-022-01571-x] [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: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background With the success of recent non-viral gene delivery-based COVID-19 vaccines, nanovectors have gained some public acceptance and come to the forefront of advanced therapies. Unfortunately, the relatively low ability of the vectors to overcome cellular barriers adversely affects their effectiveness. Scientists have thus been striving to develop ever more effective gene delivery vectors, but the results are still far from satisfactory. Therefore, developing novel strategies is probably the only way forward to bring about genuine change. Herein, we devise a brand-new gene delivery strategy to boost dramatically the transfection efficiency of two gold standard nucleic acid (NA)/polymer nanoparticles (polyplexes) in vitro. Results We conceived a device to generate milli-to-nanoscale vibrational cues as a function of the frequency set, and deliver vertical uniaxial displacements to adherent cells in culture. A short-lived high-frequency vibrational load (t = 5 min, f = 1,000 Hz) caused abrupt and extensive plasmalemma outgrowths but was safe for cells as neither cell proliferation rate nor viability was affected. Cells took about 1 hr to revert to quasi-naïve morphology through plasma membrane remodeling. In turn, this eventually triggered the mechano-activated clathrin-mediated endocytic pathway and made cells more apt to internalize polyplexes, resulting in transfection efficiencies increased from 10-to-100-fold. Noteworthy, these results were obtained transfecting three cell lines and hard-to-transfect primary cells. Conclusions In this work, we focus on a new technology to enhance the intracellular delivery of NAs and improve the transfection efficiency of non-viral vectors through priming adherent cells with a short vibrational stimulation. This study paves the way for capitalizing on physical cell stimulation(s) to significantly raise the effectiveness of gene delivery vectors in vitro and ex vivo. Graphical Abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12951-022-01571-x.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Ponti
- genT_LΛB, Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering "G. Natta", Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy.,Laboratory for Biomaterials and Bioengineering, CRC Tier I, Department of Min-Met-Mat Engineering and CHU de Québec Research Center, Division of Regenerative Medicine, Laval University, Quebec, QC, Canada
| | - Nina Bono
- genT_LΛB, Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering "G. Natta", Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Luca Russo
- Department of Molecular Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri, IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo Bigini
- Department of Molecular Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri, IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Diego Mantovani
- Laboratory for Biomaterials and Bioengineering, CRC Tier I, Department of Min-Met-Mat Engineering and CHU de Québec Research Center, Division of Regenerative Medicine, Laval University, Quebec, QC, Canada
| | - Gabriele Candiani
- genT_LΛB, Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering "G. Natta", Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy.
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Castro N, Ribeiro S, Fernandes MM, Ribeiro C, Cardoso V, Correia V, Minguez R, Lanceros‐Mendez S. Physically Active Bioreactors for Tissue Engineering Applications. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 4:e2000125. [DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202000125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Revised: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- N. Castro
- BCMaterials, Basque Centre for Materials, Applications and Nanostructures University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU Science Park Leioa E‐48940 Spain
| | - S. Ribeiro
- Physics Centre University of Minho Campus de Gualtar Braga 4710‐057 Portugal
- Centre of Molecular and Environmental Biology (CBMA) University of Minho Campus de Gualtar Braga 4710‐057 Portugal
| | - M. M. Fernandes
- Physics Centre University of Minho Campus de Gualtar Braga 4710‐057 Portugal
- CEB – Centre of Biological Engineering University of Minho Braga 4710‐057 Portugal
| | - C. Ribeiro
- Physics Centre University of Minho Campus de Gualtar Braga 4710‐057 Portugal
- CEB – Centre of Biological Engineering University of Minho Braga 4710‐057 Portugal
| | - V. Cardoso
- CMEMS‐UMinho Universidade do Minho Campus de Azurém Guimarães 4800‐058 Portugal
| | - V. Correia
- Algoritmi Research Centre University of Minho Campus de Azurém Guimarães 4800‐058 Portugal
| | - R. Minguez
- Department of Graphic Design and Engineering Projects University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU Bilbao E‐48013 Spain
| | - S. Lanceros‐Mendez
- BCMaterials, Basque Centre for Materials, Applications and Nanostructures University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU Science Park Leioa E‐48940 Spain
- IKERBASQUE Basque Foundation for Science Bilbao E‐48013 Spain
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Hodder E, Guppy F, Covill D, Bush P. The effect of hydrostatic pressure on proteoglycan production in articular cartilage in vitro: a meta-analysis. Osteoarthritis Cartilage 2020; 28:1007-1019. [PMID: 32445666 DOI: 10.1016/j.joca.2020.03.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2019] [Revised: 03/03/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In previous research the use of hydrostatic pressure (HP) has been applied to enhance the formation of engineered cartilage, through the up-regulation of proteoglycan synthesis by mechanotransduction. However, the HP stimulation approach has been shown to vary between studies with a wide disparity in results, including anabolic, catabolic and non-responsive outcomes. To this end, a meta-analysis of HP publications using 3D cultured chondrocytes was performed to elucidate the key experiment factors involved in achieving a mechanotransducive response. DESIGN The effects of different HP regimes on proteoglycan production were investigated based on the following factors: static vs dynamic application, pressure magnitude, and experiment duration. Meta-analysis was performed on raw data taken from 11 publications which employed either aggrecan gene expression analysis or dimethyl methylene blue colorimetric assay. The measure of effect was calculated based on mean difference using a random effects model. RESULTS Analysis revealed that a significant anabolic response was most likely achieved when the following factors were employed; a static HP application, a magnitude within the mid-high physiological range of cartilage (≤5-10 MPa) and a study duration of ≥2 weeks. CONCLUSIONS Thus, we propose that the selection of HP experiment factors can have a significant influence on engineered cartilage development, and that the results of this meta-analysis can be used as a basis for the planning of future HP experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Hodder
- School of Computing, Engineering and Mathematics, University of Brighton, Cockcroft Building, Lewes Road, Brighton, BN2 4GJ, UK; School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Brighton, Huxley Building, Lewes Road, Brighton, BN2 4GJ, UK.
| | - F Guppy
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Brighton, Huxley Building, Lewes Road, Brighton, BN2 4GJ, UK; Centre for Stress and Age-related Disease, University of Brighton, Huxley Building, Lewes Road, Brighton, BN2 4GJ, UK
| | - D Covill
- School of Computing, Engineering and Mathematics, University of Brighton, Cockcroft Building, Lewes Road, Brighton, BN2 4GJ, UK
| | - P Bush
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Brighton, Huxley Building, Lewes Road, Brighton, BN2 4GJ, UK
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Francis SL, Di Bella C, Wallace GG, Choong PFM. Cartilage Tissue Engineering Using Stem Cells and Bioprinting Technology-Barriers to Clinical Translation. Front Surg 2018; 5:70. [PMID: 30547034 PMCID: PMC6278684 DOI: 10.3389/fsurg.2018.00070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2018] [Accepted: 11/08/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
There is no long-term treatment strategy for young and active patients with cartilage defects. Early and effective joint preserving treatments in these patients are crucial in preventing the development of osteoarthritis. Tissue engineering over the past few decades has presented hope in overcoming the issues involved with current treatment strategies. Novel advances in 3D bioprinting technology have promoted more focus on efficient delivery of engineered tissue constructs. There have been promising in-vitro studies and several animal studies looking at 3D bioprinting of engineered cartilage tissue. However, to date there are still no human clinical trials using 3D printed engineered cartilage tissue. This review begins with discussion surrounding the difficulties with articular cartilage repair and the limitations of current clinical management options which have led to research in cartilage tissue engineering. Next, the major barriers in each of the 4 components of cartilage tissue engineering; cells, scaffolds, chemical, and physical stimulation will be reviewed. Strategies that may overcome these barriers will be discussed. Finally, we will discuss the barriers surrounding intraoperative delivery of engineered tissue constructs and possible solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sam L Francis
- Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Department of Orthopaedics, St Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Biofab 3D, Aikenhead Centre for Medical Discovery, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Claudia Di Bella
- Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Department of Orthopaedics, St Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Biofab 3D, Aikenhead Centre for Medical Discovery, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Gordon G Wallace
- Biofab 3D, Aikenhead Centre for Medical Discovery, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Australian Research Council, Centre of Excellence for Electromaterials Science, Intelligent Polymer Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Peter F M Choong
- Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Department of Orthopaedics, St Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Biofab 3D, Aikenhead Centre for Medical Discovery, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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Raimondi MT, Laganà M, Conci C, Crestani M, Di Giancamillo A, Gervaso F, Deponti D, Boschetti F, Nava MM, Scandone C, Domeneghini C, Sannino A, Peretti GM. Development and biological validation of a cyclic stretch culture system for the ex vivo engineering of tendons. Int J Artif Organs 2018; 41:400-412. [PMID: 29781355 DOI: 10.1177/0391398818774496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION An innovative approach to the treatment of tendon injury or degeneration is given by engineered grafts, made available through the development of bioreactors that generate tendon tissue in vitro, by replicating in vivo conditions. This work aims at the design of a bioreactor capable of applying a stimulation of cyclic strain on cell constructs to promote the production of bioartificial tissue with mechanical and biochemical properties resembling those of the native tissue. METHODS The system was actuated by an electromagnet and design specifications were imposed as follows. The stimulation protocol provides to scaffolds a 3% preload, a 10% deformation, and a stimulation frequency rate set at 0.5, 1, and 2 Hz, which alternates stimulation/resting phases. Porcine tenocytes were seeded on collagen scaffolds and cultured in static or dynamic conditions for 7 and 14 days. RESULTS The culture medium temperature did not exceed 37°C during prolonged culture experiments. The applied force oscillates between 1.5 and 4.5 N. The cyclic stimulation of the engineered constructs let both the cells and the scaffold fibers align along the strain direction in response to the mechanical stimulus. CONCLUSION We designed a pulsatile strain bioreactor for tendon tissue engineering. The in vitro characterization shows a preferential cell alignment at short time points. Prolonged culture time, however, seems to influence negatively on the survival of the cells indicating the need of further optimization concerning the culture conditions and the mechanical stimulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Teresa Raimondi
- 1 Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering "Giulio Natta," Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Matteo Laganà
- 1 Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering "Giulio Natta," Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy.,2 Gemma Prototipi, Longone al Segrino, Italy
| | - Claudio Conci
- 1 Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering "Giulio Natta," Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Michele Crestani
- 1 Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering "Giulio Natta," Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessia Di Giancamillo
- 3 Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Gervaso
- 4 Department of Engineering for Innovation, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
| | | | - Federica Boschetti
- 1 Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering "Giulio Natta," Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Michele M Nava
- 1 Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering "Giulio Natta," Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Cinzia Domeneghini
- 3 Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandro Sannino
- 4 Department of Engineering for Innovation, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
| | - Giuseppe M Peretti
- 6 IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi, Milan, Italy.,7 Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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6
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Horner CB, Hirota K, Liu J, Maldonado M, Hyle Park B, Nam J. Magnitude‐dependent and inversely‐related osteogenic/chondrogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells under dynamic compressive strain. J Tissue Eng Regen Med 2017; 12:e637-e647. [DOI: 10.1002/term.2332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2016] [Revised: 08/01/2016] [Accepted: 09/26/2016] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Koji Hirota
- Department of BioengineeringUniversity of California Riverside CA 92521 USA
| | - Junze Liu
- Department of BioengineeringUniversity of California Riverside CA 92521 USA
| | - Maricela Maldonado
- Department of BioengineeringUniversity of California Riverside CA 92521 USA
| | - B. Hyle Park
- Department of BioengineeringUniversity of California Riverside CA 92521 USA
| | - Jin Nam
- Department of BioengineeringUniversity of California Riverside CA 92521 USA
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Bioreactor mechanically guided 3D mesenchymal stem cell chondrogenesis using a biocompatible novel thermo-reversible methylcellulose-based hydrogel. Sci Rep 2017; 7:45018. [PMID: 28332587 PMCID: PMC5362895 DOI: 10.1038/srep45018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2016] [Accepted: 02/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Autologous chondrocyte implantation for cartilage repair represents a challenge because strongly limited by chondrocytes' poor expansion capacity in vitro. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can differentiate into chondrocytes, while mechanical loading has been proposed as alternative strategy to induce chondrogenesis excluding the use of exogenous factors. Moreover, MSC supporting material selection is fundamental to allow for an active interaction with cells. Here, we tested a novel thermo-reversible hydrogel composed of 8% w/v methylcellulose (MC) in a 0.05 M Na2SO4 solution. MC hydrogel was obtained by dispersion technique and its thermo-reversibility, mechanical properties, degradation and swelling were investigated, demonstrating a solution-gelation transition between 34 and 37 °C and a low bulk degradation (<20%) after 1 month. The lack of any hydrogel-derived immunoreaction was demonstrated in vivo by mice subcutaneous implantation. To induce in vitro chondrogenesis, MSCs were seeded into MC solution retained within a porous polyurethane (PU) matrix. PU-MC composites were subjected to a combination of compression and shear forces for 21 days in a custom made bioreactor. Mechanical stimulation led to a significant increase in chondrogenic gene expression, while histological analysis detected sulphated glycosaminoglycans and collagen II only in loaded specimens, confirming MC hydrogel suitability to support load induced MSCs chondrogenesis.
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Iannetti L, D’Urso G, Conoscenti G, Cutrì E, Tuan RS, Raimondi MT, Gottardi R, Zunino P. Distributed and Lumped Parameter Models for the Characterization of High Throughput Bioreactors. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0162774. [PMID: 27669413 PMCID: PMC5036894 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0162774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2016] [Accepted: 08/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Next generation bioreactors are being developed to generate multiple human cell-based tissue analogs within the same fluidic system, to better recapitulate the complexity and interconnection of human physiology [1, 2]. The effective development of these devices requires a solid understanding of their interconnected fluidics, to predict the transport of nutrients and waste through the constructs and improve the design accordingly. In this work, we focus on a specific model of bioreactor, with multiple input/outputs, aimed at generating osteochondral constructs, i.e., a biphasic construct in which one side is cartilaginous in nature, while the other is osseous. We next develop a general computational approach to model the microfluidics of a multi-chamber, interconnected system that may be applied to human-on-chip devices. This objective requires overcoming several challenges at the level of computational modeling. The main one consists of addressing the multi-physics nature of the problem that combines free flow in channels with hindered flow in porous media. Fluid dynamics is also coupled with advection-diffusion-reaction equations that model the transport of biomolecules throughout the system and their interaction with living tissues and C constructs. Ultimately, we aim at providing a predictive approach useful for the general organ-on-chip community. To this end, we have developed a lumped parameter approach that allows us to analyze the behavior of multi-unit bioreactor systems with modest computational effort, provided that the behavior of a single unit can be fully characterized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Iannetti
- Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering “Giulio Natta”, Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Giovanna D’Urso
- Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering “Giulio Natta”, Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Gioacchino Conoscenti
- Department of Chemical, Industrial, Computer, Mechanical Engineering, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Elena Cutrì
- Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering “Giulio Natta”, Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Rocky S. Tuan
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Manuela T. Raimondi
- Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering “Giulio Natta”, Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Riccardo Gottardi
- Fondazione Ri.MED, Palermo, Palermo, Italy
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Paolo Zunino
- MOX, Department of Mathematics, Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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10
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Effects of hydrostatic pressure on biosynthetic activity during chondrogenic differentiation of MSCs in hybrid scaffolds. Int J Artif Organs 2014; 37:142-8. [PMID: 24619897 DOI: 10.5301/ijao.5000288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/15/2013] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to determine the effects of hydrostatic pressure (HP) on the biochemical properties and gene expression of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) on scaffolds for cartilage tissue engineering composed of poly(caprolactone) (PCL) poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) gelatin (GEL) semi interpenetrating polymer network (semi-IPN). The MSCs were cultured on PCL-PVA-GEL semi-IPN scaffolds in two groups (A and B) for 7 and 21 days, respectively, and then loaded with hydrostatic pressure (5 MPa, 0.5 Hz) for 2 h per day for the period of 7 days and compared with two non-loaded groups (C and D) as controls. DMMB and real-time PCR analysis for assaying cartilage-specific extracellular matrix (ECM) gene markers were carried out. According to the results, there were no significant differences in GAG amounts between the loaded and non-loaded constructs were observed after 14 days. However, significant and considerable increases in the expression amount of type II collagen mRNA levels in group A ( from 2.43 × 10-4 ± 5.32 × 10-5 to 2.09 × 10-3 ± 1.07 × 10-4 time), and in group B (from 3.04 × 10-4 ± 4.31 × 10-5 to 2.08 × 10-3 ± 1.59 × 10-4 time) in comparison with non-loaded groups (C and D) were observed, respectively. Results showed the beneficial role of hydrostatic pressure on the increase of type II collagen mRNA levels in articular cartilage tissue engineering.
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A multiphysics 3D model of tissue growth under interstitial perfusion in a tissue-engineering bioreactor. Biomech Model Mechanobiol 2013; 12:1169-79. [DOI: 10.1007/s10237-013-0473-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2012] [Accepted: 01/16/2013] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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We still have a long way to go to effectively deliver genes! J Appl Biomater Funct Mater 2012; 10:82-91. [PMID: 23015375 DOI: 10.5301/jabfm.2012.9707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/08/2012] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene therapy is emerging as a revolutionary alternative to conventional therapeutic approaches. However, its clinical application is still hampered by the lack of safe and effective gene delivery techniques. Among the plethora of diverse approaches used to ferry nucleic acids into target cells, non-viral vectors represent promising and safer alternatives to viruses and physical techniques. Both cationic lipids and polymers spontaneously wrap and shrink the genetic material in complexes named lipoplexes and polyplexes, respectively, thereby protecting it and shielding its negative charges. The development of non-viral vectors commenced more than two decades ago. Since then, some major classes of interesting molecules have been identified and modified to optimize their properties. However, the way towards the final goal of gene delivery, i.e. protein expression or gene silencing, is filled with obstacles and current non-viral carriers still have concerns about their overall efficiency. We strongly believe that the future of non-viral gene delivery relies on the development of multifunctional vectors specifically tailored with diverse functionalities that act more like viruses. Although these vectors are still a long way from clinical practice they are the ideal platform to effectively shuttle the genetic material to target cells in a safe and controlled way. In this review, after briefly introducing the basis of gene delivery and therapeutic applications we discuss the main polymeric and lipidic vectors utilized for gene delivery, focusing on the strategies adopted to overcome the major weaknesses inherent to their still limited activity, on the way towards ideal multifunctional vectors.
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Moroz A, Bittencourt RAC, Almeida RP, Felisbino SL, Deffune E. Platelet lysate 3D scaffold supports mesenchymal stem cell chondrogenesis: an improved approach in cartilage tissue engineering. Platelets 2012; 24:219-25. [PMID: 22646294 DOI: 10.3109/09537104.2012.686255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Articular lesions are still a major challenge in orthopedics because of cartilage's poor healing properties. A major improvement in therapeutics was the development of autologous chondrocytes implantation (ACI), a biotechnology-derived technique that delivers healthy autologous chondrocytes after in vitro expansion. To obtain cartilage-like tissue, 3D scaffolds are essential to maintain chondrocyte differentiated status. Currently, bioactive 3D scaffolds are promising as they can deliver growth factors, cytokines, and hormones to the cells, giving them a boost to attach, proliferate, induce protein synthesis, and differentiate. Using mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) differentiated into chondrocytes, one can avoid cartilage harvesting. Thus, we investigated the potential use of a platelet-lysate-based 3D bioactive scaffold to support chondrogenic differentiation and maintenance of MSCs. The MSCs from adult rabbit bone marrow (n = 5) were cultivated and characterized using three antibodies by flow cytometry. MSCs (1 × 10(5)) were than encapsulated inside 60 µl of a rabbit platelet-lysate clot scaffold and maintained in Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium Nutrient Mixture F-12 supplemented with chondrogenic inductors. After 21 days, the MSCs-seeded scaffolds were processed for histological analysis and stained with toluidine blue. This scaffold was able to maintain round-shaped cells, typical chondrocyte metachromatic extracellular matrix deposition, and isogenous group formation. Cells accumulated inside lacunae and cytoplasm lipid droplets were other observed typical chondrocyte features. In conclusion, the usage of a platelet-lysate bioactive scaffold, associated with a suitable chondrogenic culture medium, supports MSCs chondrogenesis. As such, it offers an alternative tool for cartilage engineering research and ACI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrei Moroz
- Extracellular Matrix Laboratory, Department of Morphology, Institute of Biosciences, Universidade Estadual Paulista-UNESP, District of Rubião Júnior S/N, 18618-970, Botucatu, SP, Brazil.
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Pezzoli D, Olimpieri F, Malloggi C, Bertini S, Volonterio A, Candiani G. Chitosan-graft-branched polyethylenimine copolymers: influence of degree of grafting on transfection behavior. PLoS One 2012; 7:e34711. [PMID: 22509349 PMCID: PMC3324502 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0034711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2011] [Accepted: 03/05/2012] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Successful non-viral gene delivery currently requires compromises to achieve useful transfection levels while minimizing toxicity. Despite high molecular weight (MW) branched polyethylenimine (bPEI) is considered the gold standard polymeric transfectant, it suffers from high cytotoxicity. Inversely, its low MW counterpart is less toxic and effective in transfection. Moreover, chitosan is a highly biocompatible and biodegradable polymer but characterized by very low transfection efficiency. In this scenario, a straightforward approach widely exploited to develop effective transfectants relies on the synthesis of chitosan-graft-low MW bPEIs (Chi-g-bPEIx) but, despite the vast amount of work that has been done in developing promising polymeric assemblies, the possible influence of the degree of grafting on the overall behavior of copolymers for gene delivery has been largely overlooked. Methodology/Principal Findings With the aim of providing a comprehensive evaluation of the pivotal role of the degree of grafting in modulating the overall transfection effectiveness of copolymeric vectors, we have synthesized seven Chi-g-bPEIx derivatives with a variable amount of bPEI grafts (minimum: 0.6%; maximum: 8.8%). Along the Chi-g-bPEIx series, the higher the degree of grafting, the greater the ζ-potential and the cytotoxicity of the resulting polyplexes. Most important, in all cell lines tested the intermediate degree of grafting of 2.7% conferred low cytotoxicity and higher transfection efficiency compared to other Chi-g-bPEIx copolymers. We emphasize that, in transfection experiments carried out in primary articular chondrocytes, Chi-g-bPEI2.7% was as effective as and less cytotoxic than the gold standard 25 kDa bPEI. Conclusions/Significance This work underlines for the first time the pivotal role of the degree of grafting in modulating the overall transfection effectiveness of Chi-g-bPEIx copolymers. Crucially, we have demonstrated that, along the copolymer series, the fine tuning of the degree of grafting directly affected the overall charge of polyplexes and, altogether, had a direct effect on cytotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Pezzoli
- Unità Politecnico di Milano, Consorzio Interuniversitario Nazionale per la Scienza e Tecnologia dei Materiali - INSTM, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Olimpieri
- Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering “Giulio Natta”, Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Malloggi
- Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering “Giulio Natta”, Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Sabrina Bertini
- Istituto di Ricerche Chimiche e Biochimiche G. Ronzoni, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandro Volonterio
- Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering “Giulio Natta”, Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy
- * E-mail: (AV); (GC)
| | - Gabriele Candiani
- Unità Politecnico di Milano, Consorzio Interuniversitario Nazionale per la Scienza e Tecnologia dei Materiali - INSTM, Milan, Italy
- Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering “Giulio Natta”, Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy
- * E-mail: (AV); (GC)
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Tissue engineering of functional articular cartilage: the current status. Cell Tissue Res 2011; 347:613-27. [PMID: 22030892 PMCID: PMC3306561 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-011-1243-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 213] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2011] [Accepted: 09/09/2011] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease characterized by pain and disability. It involves all ages and 70% of people aged >65 have some degree of osteoarthritis. Natural cartilage repair is limited because chondrocyte density and metabolism are low and cartilage has no blood supply. The results of joint-preserving treatment protocols such as debridement, mosaicplasty, perichondrium transplantation and autologous chondrocyte implantation vary largely and the average long-term result is unsatisfactory. One reason for limited clinical success is that most treatments require new cartilage to be formed at the site of a defect. However, the mechanical conditions at such sites are unfavorable for repair of the original damaged cartilage. Therefore, it is unlikely that healthy cartilage would form at these locations. The most promising method to circumvent this problem is to engineer mechanically stable cartilage ex vivo and to implant that into the damaged tissue area. This review outlines the issues related to the composition and functionality of tissue-engineered cartilage. In particular, the focus will be on the parameters cell source, signaling molecules, scaffolds and mechanical stimulation. In addition, the current status of tissue engineering of cartilage will be discussed, with the focus on extracellular matrix content, structure and its functionality.
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Grad S, Eglin D, Alini M, Stoddart MJ. Physical stimulation of chondrogenic cells in vitro: a review. Clin Orthop Relat Res 2011; 469:2764-72. [PMID: 21344272 PMCID: PMC3171534 DOI: 10.1007/s11999-011-1819-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mechanical stimuli are of crucial importance for the development and maintenance of articular cartilage. For conditioning of cartilaginous tissues, various bioreactor systems have been developed that have mainly aimed to produce cartilaginous grafts for tissue engineering applications. Emphasis has been on in vitro preconditioning, whereas the same devices could be used to attempt to predict the response of the cells in vivo or as a prescreening method before animal studies. As a result of the complexity of the load and motion patterns within an articulating joint, no bioreactor can completely recreate the in vivo situation. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES This article aims to classify the various loading bioreactors into logical categories, highlight the response of mesenchymal stem cells and chondrocytes to the various stimuli applied, and determine which data could be used within a clinical setting. METHODS We performed a Medline search using specific search terms, then selectively reviewed relevant research relating to physical stimulation of chondrogenic cells in vitro, focusing on cellular responses to the specific load applied. RESULTS There is much data pertaining to increases in chondrogenic gene expression as a result of controlled loading protocols. Uniaxial loading leads to selective upregulation of genes normally associated with a chondrogenic phenotype, whereas multiaxial loading results in a broader pattern of chondrogenic gene upregulation. The potential for the body to be used as an in vivo bioreactor is being increasingly explored. CONCLUSIONS Bioreactors are important tools for understanding the potential response of chondrogenic cells within the joint environment. However, to replicate the natural in vivo situation, more complex motion patterns are required to induce more physiological chondrogenic gene upregulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sibylle Grad
- AO Research Institute Davos, Clavadelerstrasse 8, 7270 Davos Platz, Switzerland
| | - David Eglin
- AO Research Institute Davos, Clavadelerstrasse 8, 7270 Davos Platz, Switzerland
| | - Mauro Alini
- AO Research Institute Davos, Clavadelerstrasse 8, 7270 Davos Platz, Switzerland
| | - Martin J. Stoddart
- AO Research Institute Davos, Clavadelerstrasse 8, 7270 Davos Platz, Switzerland
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Mizuno S. Novel Cell Culture Model Using Pure Hydrostatic Pressure and a Semipermeable Membrane Pouch. Cell Transplant 2011; 20:767-74. [DOI: 10.3727/096368910x536608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell constructs and culture methods are essential tools in tissue engineering. The cell construct should be equivalent to the native cartilage it is intended to replace. Thus, three-dimensional cell constructs are usually composed of a high density of cells and dense extracellular matrix. However, dense constructs suffer from a lack of passive nutrient supply, gas exchange, and removal of degraded debris. We have developed a novel hydrostatic pressure/perfusion culture system that improves the quality of neo-tissues, providing an automated and affordable system for clinical applications. We have also developed a semipermeable membrane pouch that contains a fragile amorphous cell carrier. Although amorphous material is difficult to handle, it is a useful medium in which to deliver cells to the desired site via injection. We evaluated phenotypes of bovine articular chondrocytes embedded in a collagen type I gel enclosed within membrane pouches permeable to molecules of various sizes. Constant or cyclic hydrostatic pressure was externally applied to the medium phase with a new culture system. Accumulation of cartilage specific matrix was promoted with a 500-kDa cutoff membrane pouch and cyclic hydrostatic pressure at 0.5 MPa, 0.5 Hz. This new method will be useful in the delivery of engineered cells to a desired tissue in regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuichi Mizuno
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Comparative chondrogenesis of human cells in a 3D integrated experimental-computational mechanobiology model. Biomech Model Mechanobiol 2010; 10:259-68. [PMID: 20549292 DOI: 10.1007/s10237-010-0232-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2010] [Accepted: 05/20/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
We present an integrated experimental-computational mechanobiology model of chondrogenesis. The response of human articular chondrocytes to culture medium perfusion, versus perfusion associated with cyclic pressurisation, versus non-perfused culture, was compared in a pellet culture model, and multiphysic computation was used to quantify oxygen transport and flow dynamics in the various culture conditions. At 2 weeks of culture, the measured cell metabolic activity and the matrix content in collagen type II and aggrecan were greatest in the perfused+pressurised pellets. The main effects of perfusion alone, relative to static controls, were to suppress collagen type I and GAG contents, which were greatest in the non-perfused pellets. All pellets showed a peripheral layer of proliferating cells, which was thickest in the perfused pellets, and most pellets showed internal gradients in cell density and matrix composition. In perfused pellets, the computed lowest oxygen concentration was 0.075 mM (7.5% tension), the maximal oxygen flux was 477.5 nmol/m(2)/s and the maximal fluid shear stress, acting on the pellet surface, was 1.8 mPa (0.018 dyn/cm(2)). In the non-perfused pellets, the lowest oxygen concentration was 0.003 mM (0.3% tension) and the maximal oxygen flux was 102.4 nmol/m(2)/s. A local correlation was observed, between the gradients in pellet properties obtained from histology, and the oxygen fields calculated with multiphysic simulation. Our results show up-regulation of hyaline matrix protein production by human chondrocytes in response to perfusion associated with cyclic pressurisation. These results could be favourably exploited in tissue engineering applications.
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20
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Catapano G, Klein J. The Times They are A-Changing - A year of transition. Int J Artif Organs 2008; 31:997-1001. [DOI: 10.1177/039139880803101202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- G. Catapano
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials, University of Calabria, Rende (CS) - Italy
| | - J.B. Klein
- Kidney Disease Program, University of Louisville, Louisville (KY) - USA
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