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Jimenez JM, Tuttle T, Guo Y, Miles D, Buganza-Tepole A, Calve S. Multiscale mechanical characterization and computational modeling of fibrin gels. Acta Biomater 2023; 162:292-303. [PMID: 36965611 PMCID: PMC10313219 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2023.03.026] [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: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/27/2023]
Abstract
Fibrin is a naturally occurring protein network that forms a temporary structure to enable remodeling during wound healing. It is also a common tissue engineering scaffold because the structural properties can be controlled. However, to fully characterize the wound healing process and improve the design of regenerative scaffolds, understanding fibrin mechanics at multiple scales is necessary. Here, we present a strategy to quantify both the macroscale (1-10 mm) stress-strain response and the deformation of the mesoscale (10-1000 µm) network structure during unidirectional tensile tests. The experimental data were then used to inform a computational model to accurately capture the mechanical response of fibrin gels. Simultaneous mechanical testing and confocal microscopy imaging of fluorophore-conjugated fibrin gels revealed up to an 88% decrease in volume coupled with increase in volume fraction in deformed gels, and non-affine fiber alignment in the direction of deformation. Combination of the computational model with finite element analysis enabled us to predict the strain fields that were observed experimentally within heterogenous fibrin gels with spatial variations in material properties. These strategies can be expanded to characterize and predict the macroscale mechanics and mesoscale network organization of other heterogeneous biological tissues and matrices. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Fibrin is a naturally-occurring scaffold that supports cellular growth and assembly of de novo tissue and has tunable material properties. Characterization of meso- and macro-scale mechanics of fibrin gel networks can advance understanding of the wound healing process and impact future tissue engineering approaches. Using structural and mechanical characteristics of fibrin gels, a theoretical and computational model that can predict multiscale fibrin network mechanics was developed. These data and model can be used to design gels with tunable properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian M Jimenez
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, 206 South Martin Jischke Drive, West Lafayette, IN 47907, United States
| | - Tyler Tuttle
- Paul M. Rady Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, 1111 Engineering Dr, Boulder, CO 80309, United States
| | - Yifan Guo
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, United States
| | - Dalton Miles
- Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, 3415 Colorado Ave, Boulder, CO 80303, United States
| | - Adrian Buganza-Tepole
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, 206 South Martin Jischke Drive, West Lafayette, IN 47907, United States; School of Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, United States.
| | - Sarah Calve
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, 206 South Martin Jischke Drive, West Lafayette, IN 47907, United States; Paul M. Rady Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, 1111 Engineering Dr, Boulder, CO 80309, United States.
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Witt NJ, Woessner AE, Quinn KP, Sander EA. Multiscale Computational Model Predicts Mouse Skin Kinematics Under Tensile Loading. J Biomech Eng 2022; 144:041008. [PMID: 34729595 PMCID: PMC8719047 DOI: 10.1115/1.4052887] [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: 04/12/2021] [Revised: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Skin is a complex tissue whose biomechanical properties are generally understood in terms of an incompressible material whose microstructure undergoes affine deformations. A growing number of experiments, however, have demonstrated that skin has a high Poisson's ratio, substantially decreases in volume during uniaxial tensile loading, and demonstrates collagen fiber kinematics that are not affine with local deformation. In order to better understand the mechanical basis for these properties, we constructed multiscale mechanical models (MSM) of mouse skin based on microstructural multiphoton microscopy imaging of the dermal microstructure acquired during mechanical testing. Three models that spanned the cases of highly aligned, moderately aligned, and nearly random fiber networks were examined and compared to the data acquired from uniaxially stretched skin. Our results demonstrate that MSMs consisting of networks of matched fiber organization can predict the biomechanical behavior of mouse skin, including the large decrease in tissue volume and nonaffine fiber kinematics observed under uniaxial tension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan J. Witt
- Roy J. Carver Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242
| | - Alan E. Woessner
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701
| | - Kyle P. Quinn
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701
| | - Edward A. Sander
- Roy J. Carver Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Iowa, 5629 Seamans Center, Iowa City, IA 52242; Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242
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Sohutskay DO, Buganza Tepole A, Voytik-Harbin SL. Mechanobiological wound model for improved design and evaluation of collagen dermal replacement scaffolds. Acta Biomater 2021; 135:368-382. [PMID: 34390846 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2021.08.007] [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: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Skin wounds are among the most common and costly medical problems experienced. Despite the myriad of treatment options, such wounds continue to lead to displeasing cosmetic outcomes and also carry a high burden of loss-of-function, scarring, contraction, or nonhealing. As a result, the need exists for new therapeutic options that rapidly and reliably restore skin cosmesis and function. Here we present a new mechanobiological computational model to further the design and evaluation of next-generation regenerative dermal scaffolds fabricated from polymerizable collagen. A Bayesian framework, along with microstructure and mechanical property data from engineered dermal scaffolds and autograft skin, were used to calibrate constitutive models for collagen density, fiber alignment and dispersion, and stiffness. A chemo-bio-mechanical finite element model including collagen, cells, and representative cytokine signaling was adapted to simulate no-fill, dermal scaffold, and autograft skin outcomes observed in a preclinical animal model of full-thickness skin wounds, with a focus on permanent contraction, collagen realignment, and cellularization. Finite element model simulations demonstrated wound cellularization and contraction behavior that was similar to that observed experimentally. A sensitivity analysis suggested collagen fiber stiffness and density are important scaffold design features for predictably controlling wound contraction. Finally, prospective simulations indicated that scaffolds with increased fiber dispersion (isotropy) exhibited reduced and more uniform wound contraction while supporting cell infiltration. By capturing the link between multi-scale scaffold biomechanics and cell-scaffold mechanochemical interactions, simulated healing outcomes aligned well with preclinical animal model data. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Skin wounds continue to be a significant burden to patients, physicians, and the healthcare system. Advancing the mechanistic understanding of the wound healing process, including multi-scale mechanobiological interactions amongst cells, the collagen scaffolding, and signaling molecules, will aide in the design of new skin restoration therapies. This work represents the first step towards integrating mechanobiology-based computational tools with in vitro and in vivo preclinical testing data for improving the design and evaluation of custom-fabricated collagen scaffolds for dermal replacement. Such an approach has potential to expedite development of new and more effective skin restoration therapies as well as improve patient-centered wound treatment.
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4
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Waibel JS, Gianatasio C, Rudnick A. Randomized, Controlled Early Intervention of Dynamic Mode Fractional Ablative CO
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Laser on Acute Burn Injuries for Prevention of Pathological Scarring. Lasers Surg Med 2019; 52:117-124. [DOI: 10.1002/lsm.23170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jill S. Waibel
- Department of ResearchMiami Dermatology and Laser Institute Miami Florida
| | - Chloe Gianatasio
- Department of ResearchMiami Dermatology and Laser Institute Miami Florida
| | - Ashley Rudnick
- Department of ResearchMiami Dermatology and Laser Institute Miami Florida
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5
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Matsiaka OM, Baker RE, Shah ET, Simpson MJ. Mechanistic and experimental models of cell migration reveal the importance of cell-to-cell pushing in cell invasion. Biomed Phys Eng Express 2019. [DOI: 10.1088/2057-1976/ab1b01] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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Aghvami M, Billiar KL, Sander EA. Fiber Network Models Predict Enhanced Cell Mechanosensing on Fibrous Gels. J Biomech Eng 2017; 138:2546291. [PMID: 27548709 DOI: 10.1115/1.4034490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2015] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The propagation of mechanical signals through nonlinear fibrous tissues is much more extensive than through continuous synthetic hydrogels. Results from recent studies indicate that increased mechanical propagation arises from the fibrous nature of the material rather than the strain-stiffening property. The relative importance of different parameters of the fibrous network structure to this propagation, however, remains unclear. In this work, we directly compared the mechanical response of substrates of varying thickness subjected to a constant cell traction force using either a nonfibrous strain-stiffening continuum-based model or a volume-averaged fiber network model consisting of two different types of fiber network structures: one with low fiber connectivity (growth networks) and one with high fiber connectivity (Delaunay networks). The growth network fiber models predicted a greater propagation of substrate displacements through the model and a greater sensitivity to gel thickness compared to the more connected Delaunay networks and the nonlinear continuum model. Detailed analysis of the results indicates that rotational freedom of the fibers in a network with low fiber connectivity is critically important for enhanced, long-range mechanosensing. Our findings demonstrate the utility of multiscale models in predicting cells mechanosensing on fibrous gels, and they provide a more complete understanding of how cell traction forces propagate through fibrous tissues, which has implications for the design of engineered tissues and the stem cell niche.
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Wagner AP, Chinnathambi S, Titze IR, Sander EA. Vibratory stimulation enhances thyroid epithelial cell function. Biochem Biophys Rep 2016; 8:376-381. [PMID: 28955979 PMCID: PMC5614476 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrep.2016.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2016] [Revised: 10/11/2016] [Accepted: 10/13/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The tissues of the body are routinely subjected to various forms of mechanical vibration, the frequency, amplitude, and duration of which can contribute both positively and negatively to human health. The vocal cords, which are in close proximity to the thyroid, may also supply the thyroid with important mechanical signals that modulate hormone production via mechanical vibrations from phonation. In order to explore the possibility that vibrational stimulation from vocalization can enhance thyroid epithelial cell function, FRTL-5 rat thyroid cells were subjected to either chemical stimulation with thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), mechanical stimulation with physiological vibrations, or a combination of the two, all in a well-characterized, torsional rheometer-bioreactor. The FRTL-5 cells responded to mechanical stimulation with significantly (p<0.05) increased metabolic activity, significantly (p<0.05) increased ROS production, and increased gene expression of thyroglobulin and sodium-iodide symporter compared to un-stimulated controls, and showed an equivalent or greater response than TSH only stimulated cells. Furthermore, the combination of TSH and oscillatory motion produced a greater response than mechanical or chemical stimulation alone. Taken together, these results suggest that mechanical vibrations could provide stimulatory cues that help maintain thyroid function. Thyroid epithelial cells responded to mechanical vibrations similar to those from vocalization. This response was equivalent or greater compared to chemical stimulation. The combination of mechanical and chemical stimulation was synergistic. It may be possible to influence thyroid function with mechanical vibrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- A P Wagner
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Iowa, IA, USA
| | - S Chinnathambi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Iowa, IA, USA
| | - I R Titze
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of Iowa, IA, USA.,National Center for Voice and Speech, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - E A Sander
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Iowa, IA, USA
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8
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Atluri K, De Jesus AM, Chinnathambi S, Brouillette MJ, Martin JA, Salem AK, Sander EA. Blebbistatin-Loaded Poly(d,l-lactide- co-glycolide) Particles For Treating Arthrofibrosis. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2016; 2:1097-1107. [PMID: 33445238 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.6b00082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Joint immobility is a debilitating complication of articular trauma that is characterized by thickening and stiffening of the joint capsule and the formation of fibrotic lesions inside joints. Capsule release surgery can temporarily restore mobility, but contraction often recurs due to the contractile activities of fibroblasts, which exert tension on the capsule ECM via nonmuscle myosin II. Based on these findings we hypothesized that blebbistatin, a drug that reversibly inhibits the activity of this protein, would relax ECM tension imposed by fibroblasts and reduce fibrosis. In this study, we characterized the effectiveness of blebbistatin as an anticontractile treatment. Given that sustained suppression of contractile activity may be required to achieve capsule release and reduce fibrosis, we compared the effects on fibroblast-mediated collagen ECM displacement of blebbistatin-loaded poly(lactide-co-gylcolide) (PLGA) particles versus bolus blebbistatin dosing. Time-lapse imaging of fluorescent microspheres embedded in collagen gels confirmed that PLGA/blebbistatin inhibited force generation and reduced both gel displacement and rate of displacement. In addition, collagen production at 10 days was significantly reduced. Taken together, these data indicate that blebbistatin-loaded PLGA particles can be used to inhibit fibroblast force-generation and reduce collagen production and lay the foundation for optimization of drug delivery technology for treating arthrofibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Atluri
- Division of Pharmaceutics and Translational Therapeutics, University of Iowa College of Pharmacy, 115 South Grand Avenue, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, United States
| | - A M De Jesus
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Iowa College of Engineering, 1402 Seamans Center, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, United States
| | - S Chinnathambi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Iowa College of Engineering, 1402 Seamans Center, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, United States
| | - M J Brouillette
- Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, University of Iowa Roy J and Lucille A Carver College of Medicine, 25 South Grand Avenue, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, United States
| | - J A Martin
- Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, University of Iowa Roy J and Lucille A Carver College of Medicine, 25 South Grand Avenue, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, United States
| | - A K Salem
- Division of Pharmaceutics and Translational Therapeutics, University of Iowa College of Pharmacy, 115 South Grand Avenue, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, United States.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Iowa College of Engineering, 1402 Seamans Center, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, United States
| | - E A Sander
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Iowa College of Engineering, 1402 Seamans Center, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, United States
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Eftimie R. Validation of multi-scale models for fibrosis. Comment on "Towards a unified approach in the modeling of fibrosis: A review with research perspectives" by M. Ben Amar and C. Bianca. Phys Life Rev 2016; 17:90-1. [PMID: 27161945 DOI: 10.1016/j.plrev.2016.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2016] [Accepted: 05/04/2016] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Raluca Eftimie
- Division of Mathematics, University of Dundee, Dundee, DD1 4HN, United Kingdom.
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Kassab GS, An G, Sander EA, Miga MI, Guccione JM, Ji S, Vodovotz Y. Augmenting Surgery via Multi-scale Modeling and Translational Systems Biology in the Era of Precision Medicine: A Multidisciplinary Perspective. Ann Biomed Eng 2016; 44:2611-25. [PMID: 27015816 DOI: 10.1007/s10439-016-1596-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2015] [Accepted: 03/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
In this era of tremendous technological capabilities and increased focus on improving clinical outcomes, decreasing costs, and increasing precision, there is a need for a more quantitative approach to the field of surgery. Multiscale computational modeling has the potential to bridge the gap to the emerging paradigms of Precision Medicine and Translational Systems Biology, in which quantitative metrics and data guide patient care through improved stratification, diagnosis, and therapy. Achievements by multiple groups have demonstrated the potential for (1) multiscale computational modeling, at a biological level, of diseases treated with surgery and the surgical procedure process at the level of the individual and the population; along with (2) patient-specific, computationally-enabled surgical planning, delivery, and guidance and robotically-augmented manipulation. In this perspective article, we discuss these concepts, and cite emerging examples from the fields of trauma, wound healing, and cardiac surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghassan S Kassab
- California Medical Innovations Institute, San Diego, CA, 92121, USA
| | - Gary An
- Department of Surgery, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - Edward A Sander
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Michael I Miga
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37235, USA
| | - Julius M Guccione
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Songbai Ji
- Thayer School of Engineering, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, 03755, USA.,Department of Surgery and of Orthopaedic Surgery, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, 03755, USA
| | - Yoram Vodovotz
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, W944 Starzl Biomedical Sciences Tower, 200 Lothrop St., Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA. .,Center for Inflammation and Regenerative Modeling, McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15219, USA.
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