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Penolazzi L, Chierici A, Notarangelo MP, Dallan B, Lisignoli G, Lambertini E, Greco P, Piva R, Nastruzzi C. Wharton's jelly-derived multifunctional hydrogels: New tools to promote intervertebral disc regeneration in vitro and ex vivo. J Biomed Mater Res A 2024; 112:973-987. [PMID: 38308554 DOI: 10.1002/jbm.a.37683] [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: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
The degeneration of intervertebral disc (IVD) is a disease of the entire joint between two vertebrae in the spine caused by loss of extracellular matrix (ECM) integrity, to date with no cure. The various regenerative approaches proposed so far have led to very limited successes. An emerging opportunity arises from the use of decellularized ECM as a scaffolding material that, directly or in combination with other materials, has greatly facilitated the advancement of tissue engineering. Here we focused on the decellularized matrix obtained from human umbilical cord Wharton's jelly (DWJ) which retains several structural and bioactive molecules very similar to those of the IVD ECM. However, being a viscous gel, DWJ has limited ability to retain ordered structural features when considered as architecture scaffold. To overcome this limitation, we produced DWJ-based multifunctional hydrogels, in the form of 3D millicylinders containing different percentages of alginate, a seaweed-derived polysaccharide, and gelatin, denatured collagen, which may impart mechanical integrity to the biologically active DWJ. The developed protocol, based on a freezing step, leads to the consolidation of the entire polymeric dispersion mixture, followed by an ionic gelation step and a freeze-drying process. Finally, a porous, stable, easily storable, and suitable matrix for ex vivo experiments was obtained. The properties of the millicylinders (Wharton's jelly millicylinders [WJMs]) were then tested in culture of degenerated IVD cells isolated from disc tissues of patients undergoing surgical discectomy. We found that WJMs with the highest percentage of DWJ were effective in supporting cell migration, restoration of the IVD phenotype (increased expression of Collagen type 2, aggrecan, Sox9 and FOXO3a), anti-inflammatory action, and stem cell activity of resident progenitor/notochordal cells (increased number of CD24 positive cells). We are confident that the DWJ-based formulations proposed here can provide adequate stimuli to the cells present in the degenerated IVD to restart the anabolic machinery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Letizia Penolazzi
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Anna Chierici
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | | | - Beatrice Dallan
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Gina Lisignoli
- Laboratorio di Immunoreumatologia e Rigenerazione Tissutale, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Lambertini
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Pantaleo Greco
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Roberta Piva
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Claudio Nastruzzi
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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Penolazzi L, Straudi S, Lamberti N, Lambertini E, Bianchini C, Manfredini F, Piva R. Clinically-driven design of novel methods of investigation on skeletal health status in neurological disorders. The case of the traumatic brain injuries. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1176420. [PMID: 37265470 PMCID: PMC10230040 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1176420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023] Open
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Penolazzi L, Notarangelo MP, Lambertini E, Vultaggio-Poma V, Tarantini M, Di Virgilio F, Piva R. Unorthodox localization of P2X7 receptor in subcellular compartments of skeletal system cells. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1180774. [PMID: 37215083 PMCID: PMC10192554 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1180774] [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: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Identifying the subcellular localization of a protein within a cell is often an essential step in understanding its function. The main objective of this report was to determine the presence of the P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) in healthy human cells of skeletal system, specifically osteoblasts (OBs), chondrocytes (Chs) and intervertebral disc (IVD) cells. This receptor is a member of the ATP-gated ion channel family, known to be a main sensor of extracellular ATP, the prototype of the danger signal released at sites of tissue damage, and a ubiquitous player in inflammation and cancer, including bone and cartilaginous tissues. Despite overwhelming data supporting a role in immune cell responses and tumor growth and progression, a complete picture of the pathophysiological functions of P2X7R, especially when expressed by non-immune cells, is lacking. Here we show that human wild-type P2X7R (P2X7A) was expressed in different samples of human osteoblasts, chondrocytes and intervertebral disc cells. By fluorescence microscopy (LM) and immunogold transmission electron microscopy we localized P2X7R not only in the canonical sites (plasma membrane and cytoplasm), but also in the nucleus of all the 3 cell types, especially IVD cells and OBs. P2X7R mitochondrial immunoreactivity was predominantly detected in OBs and IVD cells, but not in Chs. Evidence of subcellular localization of P2X7R may help to i. understand the participation of P2X7R in as yet unidentified signaling pathways in the joint and bone microenvironment, ii. identify pathologies associated with P2X7R mislocalization and iii. design specific targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Letizia Penolazzi
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | | | - Elisabetta Lambertini
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | | | - Mario Tarantini
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | | | - Roberta Piva
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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Xie Y, Kollampally SCR, Jorgensen M, Zhang X. Alginate microfibers as therapeutic delivery scaffolds and tissue mimics. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2022; 247:2103-2118. [PMID: 36000165 PMCID: PMC9837301 DOI: 10.1177/15353702221112905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Alginate, a naturally occurring polysaccharide, has been widely used in cell encapsulation, 3D culture, cell therapy, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine. Alginate's frequent use comes from its biocompatibility and ability to easily form hydrogel in a variety of forms (e.g. microcapsules, microfibers, and porous scaffolds), which can provide immunoprotection for cell therapy and mimic the extracellular matrix for tissue engineering. During the past 15 years, alginate hydrogel microfibers have attracted more and more attention due to its continuous thin tubular structures (diameter or shell thickness ⩽ 200 µm), high-density cell growth, high handleability and retrievability, and scalability. This review article provides a concise overview of alginate and its resultant hydrogel microfibers for the purpose of promoting multidisciplinary, collaborative, and convergent research in the field. It starts with a historical review of alginate as biomaterials and provides basics about alginate structure, properties, and mechanisms of hydrogel formation, followed by current challenges in effective cell delivery and functional tissue engineering. In particular, this work discusses how alginate microfiber technology could provide solutions to unmet needs with a focus on the current state of the art of alginate microfiber technology and its applications in 3D cell culture, cell delivery, and tissue engineering. At last, we discuss future directions in the perspective of alginate-based advanced technology development in biology and medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yubing Xie
- College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering, SUNY Polytechnic Institute, Albany, NY 12203, USA
| | | | - Matthew Jorgensen
- College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering, SUNY Polytechnic Institute, Albany, NY 12203, USA
| | - Xulang Zhang
- College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering, SUNY Polytechnic Institute, Albany, NY 12203, USA
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Application of Alginate Hydrogels for Next-Generation Articular Cartilage Regeneration. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23031147. [PMID: 35163071 PMCID: PMC8835677 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The articular cartilage has insufficient intrinsic healing abilities, and articular cartilage injuries often progress to osteoarthritis. Alginate-based scaffolds are attractive biomaterials for cartilage repair and regeneration, allowing for the delivery of cells and therapeutic drugs and gene sequences. In light of the heterogeneity of findings reporting the benefits of using alginate for cartilage regeneration, a better understanding of alginate-based systems is needed in order to improve the approaches aiming to enhance cartilage regeneration with this compound. This review provides an in-depth evaluation of the literature, focusing on the manipulation of alginate as a tool to support the processes involved in cartilage healing in order to demonstrate how such a material, used as a direct compound or combined with cell and gene therapy and with scaffold-guided gene transfer procedures, may assist cartilage regeneration in an optimal manner for future applications in patients.
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Hu X, Zhang W, Li X, Zhong D, Li Y, Li J, Jin R. Strategies to Modulate the Redifferentiation of Chondrocytes. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2021; 9:764193. [PMID: 34881234 PMCID: PMC8645990 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2021.764193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Because of the low self-healing capacity of articular cartilage, cartilage injuries and degenerations triggered by various diseases are almost irreversible. Previous studies have suggested that human chondrocytes cultured in vitro tend to dedifferentiate during the cell-amplification phase and lose the physiological properties and functions of the cartilage itself, which is currently a critical limitation in the cultivation of cartilage for tissue engineering. Recently, numerous studies have focused on the modulation of chondrocyte redifferentiation. Researchers discovered the effect of various conditions (extracellular environment, cell sources, growth factors and redifferentiation inducers, and gene silencing and overexpression) on the redifferentiation of chondrocytes during the in vitro expansion of cells, and obtained cartilage tissue cultured in vitro that exhibited physiological characteristics and functions that were similar to those of human cartilage tissue. Encouragingly, several studies reported positive results regarding the modulation of the redifferentiation of chondrocytes in specific conditions. Here, the various factors and conditions that modulate the redifferentiation of chondrocytes, as well as their limitations and potential applications and challenges are reviewed. We expect to inspire research in the field of cartilage repair toward the future treatment of arthropathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoshen Hu
- School of Health Preservation and Rehabilitation, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Weiyang Zhang
- Shool of Sports Medicine and Health, Chengdu Sport University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiang Li
- School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Dongling Zhong
- School of Health Preservation and Rehabilitation, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuxi Li
- School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Juan Li
- School of Health Preservation and Rehabilitation, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Rongjiang Jin
- School of Health Preservation and Rehabilitation, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
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Yan Y, Fu R, Liu C, Yang J, Li Q, Huang RL. Sequential Enzymatic Digestion of Different Cartilage Tissues: A Rapid and High-Efficiency Protocol for Chondrocyte Isolation, and Its Application in Cartilage Tissue Engineering. Cartilage 2021; 13:1064S-1076S. [PMID: 34775800 PMCID: PMC8804790 DOI: 10.1177/19476035211057242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The classic chondrocyte isolation protocol is a 1-step enzymatic digestion protocol in which cartilage samples are digested in collagenase solution for a single, long period. However, this method usually results in incomplete cartilage dissociation and low chondrocyte quality. In this study, we aimed to develop a rapid, high-efficiency, and flexible chondrocyte isolation protocol for cartilage tissue engineering. DESIGN Cartilage tissues harvested from rabbit ear, rib, septum, and articulation were minced and subjected to enzymatic digestion using the classic protocol or the newly developed sequential protocol. In the classic protocol, cartilage fragments were subjected to one 12-hour digestion. In the sequential protocol, cartilage fragments were sequentially subjected to 2-hour first digestion, followed by two 3-hour digestions. The collected cells were then subjected to analyses of cell-yield efficiency, viability, proliferation, phenotype, and cartilage matrix synthesis capacity. RESULTS Overall, the sequential protocol exhibited higher cell-yield efficiency than the classic protocol for the 4 cartilage types. The cells harvested from the second and third digestions demonstrated higher cell viability, more proliferative activity, a better chondrocyte phenotype, and a higher cartilage-specific matrix synthesis ability than those harvested from the first digestion and after the classic 1-step protocol. CONCLUSIONS The sequential protocol is a rapid, flexible, high-efficiency chondrocyte isolation protocol for different cartilage tissues. We recommend using this protocol for chondrocyte isolation, and in particular, the cells obtained after the subsequent 3-hour sequential digestions should be used for chondrocyte-based therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxin Yan
- Department of Plastic and
Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong
University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Rao Fu
- Department of Plastic and
Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong
University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chuanqi Liu
- Department of Plastic and
Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong
University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China,Department of Plastic and Burn Surgery,
West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Yang
- Department of Plastic and
Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong
University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Qingfeng Li
- Department of Plastic and
Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong
University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ru-Lin Huang
- Department of Plastic and
Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong
University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China,Qingfeng Li, Department of Plastic and
Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong
University School of Medicine, 639 Zhizaoju Road, Shanghai 200011, China.
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Tao M, Ao T, Mao X, Yan X, Javed R, Hou W, Wang Y, Sun C, Lin S, Yu T, Ao Q. Sterilization and disinfection methods for decellularized matrix materials: Review, consideration and proposal. Bioact Mater 2021; 6:2927-2945. [PMID: 33732964 PMCID: PMC7930362 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2021.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Revised: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Sterilization is the process of killing all microorganisms, while disinfection is the process of killing or removing all kinds of pathogenic microorganisms except bacterial spores. Biomaterials involved in cell experiments, animal experiments, and clinical applications need to be in the aseptic state, but their physical and chemical properties as well as biological activities can be affected by sterilization or disinfection. Decellularized matrix (dECM) is the low immunogenicity material obtained by removing cells from tissues, which retains many inherent components in tissues such as proteins and proteoglycans. But there are few studies concerning the effects of sterilization or disinfection on dECM, and the systematic introduction of sterilization or disinfection for dECM is even less. Therefore, this review systematically introduces and analyzes the mechanism, advantages, disadvantages, and applications of various sterilization and disinfection methods, discusses the factors influencing the selection of sterilization and disinfection methods, summarizes the sterilization and disinfection methods for various common dECM, and finally proposes a graphical route for selecting an appropriate sterilization or disinfection method for dECM and a technical route for validating the selected method, so as to provide the reference and basis for choosing more appropriate sterilization or disinfection methods of various dECM. Asepsis is the prerequisite for the experiment and application of biomaterials. Sterilization or disinfection affects physic-chemical properties of biomaterials. Mechanism, advantages and disadvantages of sterilization or disinfection methods. Factors influencing the selection of sterilization or disinfection methods. Selection of sterilization or disinfection methods for decellularized matrix.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meihan Tao
- Department of Tissue Engineering, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Tianrang Ao
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoyan Mao
- Department of Tissue Engineering, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xinzhu Yan
- Department of Tissue Engineering, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Rabia Javed
- Department of Tissue Engineering, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Weijian Hou
- Department of Tissue Engineering, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yang Wang
- Department of Tissue Engineering, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Cong Sun
- Department of Tissue Engineering, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Shuang Lin
- Department of Tissue Engineering, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Tianhao Yu
- The VIP Department, School and Hospital of Stomatology, China Medical University, Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Shenyang, China
| | - Qiang Ao
- Department of Tissue Engineering, China Medical University, Shenyang, China.,Department of Developmental Cell Biology, Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education, China Medical University, Shenyang, China.,Institute of Regulatory Science for Medical Device, National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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Liau LL, Hassan MNFB, Tang YL, Ng MH, Law JX. Feasibility of Human Platelet Lysate as an Alternative to Foetal Bovine Serum for In Vitro Expansion of Chondrocytes. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22031269. [PMID: 33525349 PMCID: PMC7865277 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22031269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Revised: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease that affects a lot of people worldwide. Current treatment for OA mainly focuses on halting or slowing down the disease progress and to improve the patient’s quality of life and functionality. Autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) is a new treatment modality with the potential to promote regeneration of worn cartilage. Traditionally, foetal bovine serum (FBS) is used to expand the chondrocytes. However, the use of FBS is not ideal for the expansion of cells mean for clinical applications as it possesses the risk of animal pathogen transmission and animal protein transfer to host. Human platelet lysate (HPL) appears to be a suitable alternative to FBS as it is rich in biological factors that enhance cell proliferation. Thus far, HPL has been found to be superior in promoting chondrocyte proliferation compared to FBS. However, both HPL and FBS cannot prevent chondrocyte dedifferentiation. Discrepant results have been reported for the maintenance of chondrocyte redifferentiation potential by HPL. These differences are likely due to the diversity in the HPL preparation methods. In the future, more studies on HPL need to be performed to develop a standardized technique which is capable of producing HPL that can maintain the chondrocyte redifferentiation potential reproducibly. This review discusses the in vitro expansion of chondrocytes with FBS and HPL, focusing on its capability to promote the proliferation and maintain the chondrogenic characteristics of chondrocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Ling Liau
- Physiology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre, Jalan Yaacob Latif, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia;
| | - Muhammad Najib Fathi bin Hassan
- Centre for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre, Jalan Yaacob Latif, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia; (M.N.F.b.H.); (M.H.N.)
| | - Yee Loong Tang
- Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre, Jalan Yaacob Latif, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia;
| | - Min Hwei Ng
- Centre for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre, Jalan Yaacob Latif, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia; (M.N.F.b.H.); (M.H.N.)
| | - Jia Xian Law
- Centre for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre, Jalan Yaacob Latif, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia; (M.N.F.b.H.); (M.H.N.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +603-9145-7677; Fax: +603-9145-7678
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Davis S, Roldo M, Blunn G, Tozzi G, Roncada T. Influence of the Mechanical Environment on the Regeneration of Osteochondral Defects. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2021; 9:603408. [PMID: 33585430 PMCID: PMC7873466 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2021.603408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Articular cartilage is a highly specialised connective tissue of diarthrodial joints which provides a smooth, lubricated surface for joint articulation and plays a crucial role in the transmission of loads. In vivo cartilage is subjected to mechanical stimuli that are essential for cartilage development and the maintenance of a chondrocytic phenotype. Cartilage damage caused by traumatic injuries, ageing, or degradative diseases leads to impaired loading resistance and progressive degeneration of both the articular cartilage and the underlying subchondral bone. Since the tissue has limited self-repairing capacity due its avascular nature, restoration of its mechanical properties is still a major challenge. Tissue engineering techniques have the potential to heal osteochondral defects using a combination of stem cells, growth factors, and biomaterials that could produce a biomechanically functional tissue, representative of native hyaline cartilage. However, current clinical approaches fail to repair full-thickness defects that include the underlying subchondral bone. Moreover, when tested in vivo, current tissue-engineered grafts show limited capacity to regenerate the damaged tissue due to poor integration with host cartilage and the failure to retain structural integrity after insertion, resulting in reduced mechanical function. The aim of this review is to examine the optimal characteristics of osteochondral scaffolds. Additionally, an overview on the latest biomaterials potentially able to replicate the natural mechanical environment of articular cartilage and their role in maintaining mechanical cues to drive chondrogenesis will be detailed, as well as the overall mechanical performance of grafts engineered using different technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Davis
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, United Kingdom
| | - Marta Roldo
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, United Kingdom
| | - Gordon Blunn
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, United Kingdom
| | - Gianluca Tozzi
- Zeiss Global Centre, School of Mechanical and Design Engineering, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, United Kingdom
| | - Tosca Roncada
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, United Kingdom
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Wang CY, Hong PD, Wang DH, Cherng JH, Chang SJ, Liu CC, Fang TJ, Wang YW. Polymeric Gelatin Scaffolds Affect Mesenchymal Stem Cell Differentiation and Its Diverse Applications in Tissue Engineering. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21228632. [PMID: 33207764 PMCID: PMC7696434 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21228632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Revised: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Studies using polymeric scaffolds for various biomedical applications, such as tissue engineering, implants and medical substitutes, and drug delivery systems, have attempted to identify suitable material for tissue regeneration. This study aimed to investigate the biocompatibility and effectiveness of a gelatin scaffold seeded with human adipose stem cells (hASCs), including physical characteristics, multilineage differentiation in vitro, and osteogenic potential, in a rat model of a calvarial bone defect and to optimize its design. This functionalized scaffold comprised gelatin-hASCs layers to improve their efficacy in various biomedical applications. The gelatin scaffold exhibited excellent biocompatibility in vitro after two weeks of implantation. Furthermore, the gelatin scaffold supported and specifically regulated the proliferation and osteogenic and chondrogenic differentiation of hASCs, respectively. After 12 weeks of implantation, upon treatment with the gelatin-hASCs scaffold, the calvarial bone harboring the critical defect regenerated better and displayed greater osteogenic potential without any damage to the surrounding tissues compared to the untreated bone defect. These findings suggest that the present gelatin scaffold is a good potential carrier for stem cells in various tissue engineering applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Yu Wang
- Department of Materials Sciences and Engineering, National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taipei 106, Taiwan; (C.-Y.W.); (P.-D.H.)
| | - Po-Da Hong
- Department of Materials Sciences and Engineering, National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taipei 106, Taiwan; (C.-Y.W.); (P.-D.H.)
| | - Ding-Han Wang
- Department of Dentistry, School of Dentistry, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei 112, Taiwan;
| | - Juin-Hong Cherng
- Laboratory of Adult Stem Cell and Tissue Regeneration, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 114, Taiwan; (J.-H.C.); (S.-J.C.)
- Department and Graduate Institute of Biology and Anatomy, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 114, Taiwan
- Department of Gerontological Health Care, National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Sciences, Taipei 112, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Jen Chang
- Laboratory of Adult Stem Cell and Tissue Regeneration, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 114, Taiwan; (J.-H.C.); (S.-J.C.)
| | - Cheng-Che Liu
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Graduate Institute of Physiology, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 114, Taiwan; (C.-C.L.); (T.-J.F.)
| | - Tong-Jing Fang
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Graduate Institute of Physiology, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 114, Taiwan; (C.-C.L.); (T.-J.F.)
| | - Yi-Wen Wang
- Department and Graduate Institute of Biology and Anatomy, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 114, Taiwan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +886-2-8792-3100 (ext. 18749); Fax: +886-2-87923767
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12
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Desai S, Jayasuriya CT. Implementation of Endogenous and Exogenous Mesenchymal Progenitor Cells for Skeletal Tissue Regeneration and Repair. Bioengineering (Basel) 2020; 7:E86. [PMID: 32759659 PMCID: PMC7552784 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering7030086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2020] [Revised: 07/25/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Harnessing adult mesenchymal stem/progenitor cells to stimulate skeletal tissue repair is a strategy that is being actively investigated. While scientists continue to develop creative and thoughtful ways to utilize these cells for tissue repair, the vast majority of these methodologies can ultimately be categorized into two main approaches: (1) Facilitating the recruitment of endogenous host cells to the injury site; and (2) physically administering into the injury site cells themselves, exogenously, either by autologous or allogeneic implantation. The aim of this paper is to comprehensively review recent key literature on the use of these two approaches in stimulating healing and repair of different skeletal tissues. As expected, each of the two strategies have their own advantages and limitations (which we describe), especially when considering the diverse microenvironments of different skeletal tissues like bone, tendon/ligament, and cartilage/fibrocartilage. This paper also discusses stem/progenitor cells commonly used for repairing different skeletal tissues, and it lists ongoing clinical trials that have risen from the implementation of these cells and strategies. Lastly, we discuss our own thoughts on where the field is headed in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Chathuraka T. Jayasuriya
- Department of Orthopaedics, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University and the Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI 02903, USA;
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13
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Akther F, Little P, Li Z, Nguyen NT, Ta HT. Hydrogels as artificial matrices for cell seeding in microfluidic devices. RSC Adv 2020; 10:43682-43703. [PMID: 35519701 PMCID: PMC9058401 DOI: 10.1039/d0ra08566a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Hydrogel-based artificial scaffolds and its incorporation with microfluidic devices play a vital role in shifting in vitro models from two-dimensional (2D) cell culture to in vivo like three-dimensional (3D) cell culture
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Affiliation(s)
- Fahima Akther
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology
- The University of Queensland
- Brisbane
- Australia
- Queensland Micro- and Nanotechnology Centre
| | - Peter Little
- School of Pharmacy
- The University of Queensland
- Brisbane
- Australia
| | - Zhiyong Li
- School of Mechanical Medical & Process Engineering
- Queensland University of Technology
- Brisbane
- Australia
| | - Nam-Trung Nguyen
- Queensland Micro- and Nanotechnology Centre
- Griffith University
- Brisbane
- Australia
| | - Hang T. Ta
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology
- The University of Queensland
- Brisbane
- Australia
- Queensland Micro- and Nanotechnology Centre
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14
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Zhao Z, Fan C, Chen F, Sun Y, Xia Y, Ji A, Wang DA. Progress in Articular Cartilage Tissue Engineering: A Review on Therapeutic Cells and Macromolecular Scaffolds. Macromol Biosci 2019; 20:e1900278. [PMID: 31800166 DOI: 10.1002/mabi.201900278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2019] [Revised: 09/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Repair and regeneration of articular cartilage lesions have always been a major challenge in the medical field due to its peculiar structure (e.g., sparsely distributed chondrocytes, no blood supply, no nerves). Articular cartilage tissue engineering is considered as one promising strategy to achieve reconstruction of cartilage. With this perspective, the articular cartilage tissue engineering has been widely studied. Here, the recent progress of articular cartilage tissue engineering is reviewed. The ad hoc therapeutic cells and growth factors for cartilage regeneration are summarized and discussed. Various types of bio/macromolecular scaffolds together with their pros and cons are also reviewed and elaborated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongyi Zhao
- Department of Traumatic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Changjiang Fan
- Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, College of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266021, China.,Institute for Translational Medicine, College of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, P. R. China
| | - Feng Chen
- Department of Traumatic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yutai Sun
- School of Information Engineering, Shandong Vocational College of Science & Technology, Weifang, 261053, P. R. China
| | - Yujun Xia
- Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, College of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266021, China
| | - Aiyu Ji
- Department of Traumatic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Dong-An Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, 999077, Hong Kong SAR
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15
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Campiglio CE, Bidarra SJ, Draghi L, Barrias CC. Bottom-up engineering of cell-laden hydrogel microfibrous patch for guided tissue regeneration. MATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING. C, MATERIALS FOR BIOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS 2019; 108:110488. [PMID: 31924002 DOI: 10.1016/j.msec.2019.110488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2019] [Revised: 10/30/2019] [Accepted: 11/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
The development of three-dimensional (3D) fibrous networks as platforms for tissue engineering applications has been attracting considerable attention. Opportunely arranged microscaled fibers offer an appealing biomimetic 3D architecture, with an open porous structure and a high surface-to-volume ratio. The present work describes the development of modified-alginate hydrogel microfibers for cell entrapment, using a purpose-designed flow circuit. For microfibers biofabrication, cells were suspended in gel-precursor alginate solution and injected in a closed-loop circuit with circulating cross-linking solution. The flow promoted stretching and solidification of continuous cell-loaded micro-scaled fibers that were collected in a strainer, assembling into a microfibrous patch. The process was optimized to allow obtaining a self-standing cohesive structure. After characterization of the microfibrous patch, the behavior of embedded human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) was evaluated. Microfibers of oxidized alginate modified with integrin-binding ligands provided a suitable 3D cellular microenvironment, supporting hMSCs survival and stimulating the production of endogenous extracellular matrix proteins, such as fibronectin and collagen Type I. Collectively, these features make the proposed microfibrous structures stand out as promising 3D scaffolds for regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Emma Campiglio
- i3S - Instituto de Inovação e Investigação em Saúde, Rua Alfredo Allen, 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering "G. Natta", Politecnico di Milano, via Mancinelli 7, 20131 Milan, Italy; INSTM - National Interuniversity Consortium of Materials Science and Technology, Local Unit Politecnico di Milano, Piazza Leonardo da Vinci 32, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia J Bidarra
- i3S - Instituto de Inovação e Investigação em Saúde, Rua Alfredo Allen, 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; INEB - Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Lorenza Draghi
- Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering "G. Natta", Politecnico di Milano, via Mancinelli 7, 20131 Milan, Italy; INEB - Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Cristina C Barrias
- i3S - Instituto de Inovação e Investigação em Saúde, Rua Alfredo Allen, 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; INEB - Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal; ICBAS - Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.
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16
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He H, He Q, Xu F, Zhou Y, Ye Z, Tan W. Dynamic formation of cellular aggregates of chondrocytes and mesenchymal stem cells in spinner flask. Cell Prolif 2019; 52:e12587. [PMID: 31206838 PMCID: PMC6669002 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.12587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2018] [Revised: 01/06/2019] [Accepted: 01/09/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Cellular aggregates are readily applicable in cell-based therapy. The effects of agitation and inoculation density on the aggregation of cells in spinner flask and the molecular mechanism of aggregation were investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS The aggregation kinetics of cells in spinner flask was evaluated with bovine articular chondrocytes (bACs), rabbit bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (rMSCs) and their mixture. The morphology of cellular aggregates was studied with scanning electron microscopy and gene expression of cell adhesion-related molecules was analysed. RESULTS It was shown that suspension culture in spinner flask induced the aggregation of bACs and rMSCs. Both cells exhibited increased aggregation rate and aggregate size with decreasing agitation rate and increasing cell inoculation density. Additionally, aggregate size increased with extended culture time. By analysing gene expression of integrin β1 and cadherin, it was indicated that these molecules were potentially involved in the aggregation process of bACs and rMSCs, respectively. Aggregates composed of both bACs and rMSCs were also prepared, showing rMSCs in the core and bACs in the periphery. CONCLUSIONS Cellular aggregates were prepared in dynamic suspension culture using spinner flask, the key parameters to the aggregation process were identified, and the molecular mechanism of aggregation was revealed. This would lay a solid foundation for the large-scale production of cellular aggregates for cell-based therapy, such as cartilage regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huimin He
- The State Kay Laboratory of Bioreactor EngineeringEast China University of Science and TechnologyShanghaiChina
| | - Qing He
- The State Kay Laboratory of Bioreactor EngineeringEast China University of Science and TechnologyShanghaiChina
| | - Feiyue Xu
- The State Kay Laboratory of Bioreactor EngineeringEast China University of Science and TechnologyShanghaiChina
| | - Yan Zhou
- The State Kay Laboratory of Bioreactor EngineeringEast China University of Science and TechnologyShanghaiChina
| | - Zhaoyang Ye
- The State Kay Laboratory of Bioreactor EngineeringEast China University of Science and TechnologyShanghaiChina
| | - Wen‐Song Tan
- The State Kay Laboratory of Bioreactor EngineeringEast China University of Science and TechnologyShanghaiChina
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Wang L, Jiang D, Wang Q, Wang Q, Hu H, Jia W. The Application of Microfluidic Techniques on Tissue Engineering in Orthopaedics. Curr Pharm Des 2019; 24:5397-5406. [PMID: 30827230 DOI: 10.2174/1381612825666190301142833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2018] [Accepted: 02/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Background:
Tissue engineering (TE) is a promising solution for orthopaedic diseases such as bone or
cartilage defects and bone metastasis. Cell culture in vitro and scaffold fabrication are two main parts of TE, but
these two methods both have their own limitations. The static cell culture medium is unable to achieve multiple
cell incubation or offer an optimal microenvironment for cells, while regularly arranged structures are unavailable
in traditional cell-laden scaffolds, which results in low biocompatibility. To solve these problems, microfluidic
techniques are combined with TE. By providing 3-D networks and interstitial fluid flows, microfluidic platforms
manage to maintain phenotype and viability of osteocytic or chondrocytic cells, and the precise manipulation of
liquid, gel and air flows in microfluidic devices leads to the highly organized construction of scaffolds.
Methods:
In this review, we focus on the recent advances of microfluidic techniques applied in the field of tissue
engineering, especially in orthropaedics. An extensive literature search was done using PubMed. The introduction
describes the properties of microfluidics and how it exploits the advantages to the full in the aspects of TE. Then
we discuss the application of microfluidics on the cultivation of osteocytic cells and chondrocytes, and other
extended researches carried out on this platform. The following section focuses on the fabrication of highly organized
scaffolds and other biomaterials produced by microfluidic devices. Finally, the incubation and studying of
bone metastasis models in microfluidic platforms are discussed.
Conclusion:
The combination of microfluidics and tissue engineering shows great potentials in the osteocytic cell
culture and scaffold fabrication. Though there are several problems that still require further exploration, the future
of microfluidics in TE is promising.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingtian Wang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200233, China
| | - Dajun Jiang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200233, China
| | - Qiyang Wang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200233, China
| | - Qing Wang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200233, China
| | - Haoran Hu
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200233, China
| | - Weitao Jia
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200233, China
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18
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Campiglio CE, Ceriani F, Draghi L. 3D Encapsulation Made Easy: A Coaxial-Flow Circuit for the Fabrication of Hydrogel Microfibers Patches. Bioengineering (Basel) 2019; 6:E30. [PMID: 30959921 PMCID: PMC6631674 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering6020030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2019] [Revised: 03/23/2019] [Accepted: 04/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
To fully exploit the potential of hydrogel micro-fibers in the design of regenerative medicinal materials, we designed a simple, easy to replicate system for cell embedding in degradable fibrous scaffolds, and validated its effectiveness using alginate-based materials. For scaffold fabrication, cells are suspended in a hydrogel-precursor and injected in a closed-loop circuit, where a pump circulates the ionic cross-linking solution. The flow of the cross-linking solution stretches and solidifies a continuous micro-scaled, cell-loaded hydrogel fiber that whips, bends, and spontaneously assembles in a self-standing, spaghetti-like patch. After investigation and tuning of process- and solution-related parameters, homogeneous microfibers with controlled diameters and consistent scaffolds were obtained from different alginate concentrations and blends with biologically favorable macromolecules (i.e., gelatin or hyaluronic acid). Despite its simplicity, this coaxial-flow encapsulation system allows for the rapid and effortless fabrication of thick, well-defined scaffolds, with viable cells being homogeneously distributed within the fibers. The reduced fiber diameter and the inherent macro-porous structure that is created from the random winding of fibers can sustain mass transport, and support encapsulated cell survival. As different materials and formulations can be processed to easily create homogeneously cell-populated structures, this system appears as a valuable platform, not only for regenerative medicine, but also, more in general, for 3D cell culturing in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Emma Campiglio
- Politecnico di Milano, Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering "G. Natta", Via Mancinelli 7, 20131 Milano, Italy.
- INSTM-National Interuniversity Consortium of Materials Science and Technology, Via G. Giusti, 9-50121 Firenze, Italy.
| | - Francesca Ceriani
- Politecnico di Milano, Piazza Leonardo da Vinci 32, 20133 Milano, Italy.
| | - Lorenza Draghi
- Politecnico di Milano, Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering "G. Natta", Via Mancinelli 7, 20131 Milano, Italy.
- INSTM-National Interuniversity Consortium of Materials Science and Technology, Via G. Giusti, 9-50121 Firenze, Italy.
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Zheng H, Ramnaraign D, Anderson BA, Tycksen E, Nunley R, McAlinden A. MicroRNA-138 Inhibits Osteogenic Differentiation and Mineralization of Human Dedifferentiated Chondrocytes by Regulating RhoC and the Actin Cytoskeleton. JBMR Plus 2018; 3:e10071. [PMID: 30828688 PMCID: PMC6383697 DOI: 10.1002/jbm4.10071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2018] [Revised: 06/22/2018] [Accepted: 06/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are known to play critical roles in many cellular processes including those regulating skeletal development and homeostasis. A previous study from our group identified differentially expressed miRNAs in the developing human growth plate. Among those more highly expressed in hypertrophic chondrocytes compared to progenitor chondrocytes was miR‐138, therefore suggesting a possible role for this miRNA in regulating chondrogenesis and/or endochondral ossification. The goal of this study was to determine the function of miR‐ 138 in regulating osteogenesis by using human osteoarthritic dedifferentiated chondrocytes (DDCs) as source of inducible cells. We show that over‐expression of miR‐138 inhibited osteogenic differentiation of DDCs in vitro. Moreover, cell shape was altered and cell proliferation and possibly migration was also suppressed by miR‐138. Given alterations in cell shape, closer analysis revealed that F‐actin polymerization was also inhibited by miR‐138. Computational approaches showed that the small GTPase, RhoC, is a potential miR‐138 target gene. We pursued RhoC further given its function in regulating cell proliferation and migration in cancer cells. Indeed, miR‐138 over‐expression in DDCs resulted in decreased RhoC protein levels. A series of rescue experiments showed that RhoC over‐expression could attenuate the inhibitory actions of miR‐138 on DDC proliferation, F‐actin polymerization and osteogenic differentiation. Bone formation was also found to be enhanced within human demineralized bone scaffolds seeded with DDCs expressing both miR‐138 and RhoC. In conclusion, we have discovered a new mechanism in DDCs whereby miR‐138 functions to suppress RhoC which subsequently inhibits proliferation, F‐actin polymerization and osteogenic differentiation. To date, there are no published reports on the importance of RhoC in regulating osteogenesis. This opens up new avenues of research involving miR‐138 and RhoC pathways to better understand mechanisms regulating bone formation in addition to the potential use of DDCs as a cell source for bone tissue engineering. © 2018 The Authors. JBMR Plus is published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongjun Zheng
- Department of Orthopaedic SurgeryWashington University School of MedicineSt LouisMOUSA
| | | | - Britta A Anderson
- Department of Orthopaedic SurgeryWashington University School of MedicineSt LouisMOUSA
| | - Eric Tycksen
- Genome Technology Access CenterWashington University School of MedicineSt LouisMOUSA
| | - Ryan Nunley
- Department of Orthopaedic SurgeryWashington University School of MedicineSt LouisMOUSA
| | - Audrey McAlinden
- Department of Orthopaedic SurgeryWashington University School of MedicineSt LouisMOUSA
- Department of Cell BiologyWashington University School of MedicineSt LouisMOUSA
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