Porcine Decellularized Diaphragm Hydrogel: A New Option for Skeletal Muscle Malformations

The Unfulfilled Potential of Synthetic and Biological Hydrogel Membranes in the Treatment of Abdominal Hernias

Hydrogel membranes can offer a cutting-edge solution for abdominal hernia treatment. By combining favorable mechanical parameters, tissue integration, and the potential for targeted drug delivery, hydrogels are a promising alternative therapeutic option. The current review examines the application of hydrogel materials composed of synthetic and biological polymers, such as polyethylene glycol (PEG), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), gelatine, and silk fibroin, in the context of hernia repair. Overall, this review highlights the current issues and prospects of hydrogel membranes as viable alternatives to the conventional hernia meshes. The emphasis is placed on the applicability of these hydrogels as components of bilayer systems and standalone materials. According to our research, hydrogel membranes exhibit several advantageous features relevant to hernia repair, such as a controlled inflammatory reaction, tissue integration, anti-adhesive-, and even thermoresponsive properties. Nevertheless, despite significant advancements in material science, the potential of hydrogel membranes seems neglected. Bilayer constructs have not transitioned to clinical trials, whereas standalone membranes seem unreliable due to the lack of comprehensive mechanical characterization and long-term in vivo experiments.

Surgical management of the diaphragmatic defect in congenital diaphragmatic hernia: a contemporary review

Worldwide, 150 children are born each day with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH), a diaphragmatic defect with concomitant abnormal lung development. Patients with CDH with large defects are particularly challenging to treat, have the highest mortality, and are at significant risk of long-term complications. Advances in prenatal and neonatal treatments have improved survival in high-risk patients with CDH, but surgical treatment of large defects lacks standardization. Open repair by an abdominal approach has long been considered the traditional procedure, but the type of defect repair (patch or muscle flap) and patch material (non-absorbable, synthetic or absorbable, biological) remain subjects of debate. Increased experience and improved techniques in minimally invasive surgery (MIS) have expanded selection criteria for thoracoscopic defect repair in cardiopulmonary stable patients with small defects. However, the application of MIS to repair large defects remains controversial due to increased recurrence rates and unknown long-term effects of perioperative hypercapnia and acidosis resulting from capnothorax and reduced ventilation. Current recommendations on the surgical management rely on cohort studies of varying patient numbers and data on the long-term outcomes are sparse. Here, we discuss surgical approaches for diaphragmatic defect repair highlighting advancements, and knowledge gaps in surgical techniques (open surgery and MIS), patch materials and muscle flaps for large defects, as well as procedural adjuncts and management of CDH variants.

Cellular origins and translational approaches to congenital diaphragmatic hernia

Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH) is a complex developmental abnormality characterized by abnormal lung development, a diaphragmatic defect and cardiac dysfunction. Despite significant advances in management of CDH, mortality and morbidity continue to be driven by pulmonary hypoplasia, pulmonary hypertension, and cardiac dysfunction. The etiology of CDH remains unknown, but CDH is presumed to be caused by a combination of genetic susceptibility and external/environmental factors. Current research employs multi-omics technologies to investigate the molecular profile and pathways inherent to CDH. The aim is to discover the underlying pathogenesis, new biomarkers and ultimately novel therapeutic targets. Stem cells and their cargo, non-coding RNAs and agents targeting inflammation and vascular remodeling have produced promising results in preclinical studies using animal models of CDH. Shortcomings in current therapies combined with an improved understanding of the pathogenesis in CDH have given rise to novel promising experimental treatments that are currently being evaluated in clinical trials. This review provides insight into current developments in translational research, ranging from the cellular origins of abnormal cardiopulmonary development in CDH and the identification of novel treatment targets in preclinical CDH models at the bench and their translation to clinical trials at the bedside.

Comparative Evaluation of Three Different Demineralisation Protocols on the Physicochemical Properties and Biocompatibility of Decellularised Extracellular Matrix for Bone Tissue Engineering Applications

Background With three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting emerging as the ultimate pinnacle of personalised treatment for achieving predictable regenerative outcomes, the search for tissue-specific bioinks is on. Decellularised extracellular matrix (DECM), which provides the inherent biomimetic cues, has gained considerable attention. The objective of the present study was to compare the efficacy of three different demineralisation protocols to obtain DECM for bone tissue engineering applications.  Methodology Goat femurs were treated using three demineralisation protocols to obtain DECM. Group A was treated with demineralisation solution at 40 rpm for 14 days, Group B with freeze-thaw cycles and 0.05M hydrochloric acid (HCl) and 2.4 mM ethylenediamine tetra-acetic acid (EDTA) at 40 rpm for 60 days, and Group C with 0.1M HCl at 40 rpm for three days. After washing, neutralization, 0.05% trypsin-EDTA treatment for 24 hours, and lyophilisation, DECM was obtained. Assessments included scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis, energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis, hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, and biocompatibility analysis.  Results On comparative analysis, the protocol followed by Group C revealed good surface properties with patent and well interconnected pores with an average pore size of 218.87µm. Group C also revealed carbon and oxygen as predominant components with trace amounts of calcium, proving adequate demineralisation. Group C further revealed optimal demineralisation and decellularisation under histological analysis while maintaining biocompatibility. DECM obtained in Group C should be further processed for bioprinting applications.  Conclusion The three protocols explored in this study hold potential, with Group C's protocol demonstrating the most promise for DECM-based bioink applications. Further research is needed to evaluate the suitability of the obtained DECM for preparing tissue-specific bioinks for 3D bioprinting.

Multiprotein collagen/keratin hydrogel promoted myogenesis and angiogenesis of injured skeletal muscles in a mouse model

Volumetric loss is one of the challenging issues in muscle tissue structure that causes functio laesa. Tissue engineering of muscle tissue using suitable hydrogels is an alternative to restoring the physiological properties of the injured area. Here, myogenic properties of type I collagen (0.5%) and keratin (0.5%) were investigated in a mouse model of biceps femoris injury. Using FTIR, gelation time, and rheological analysis, the physicochemical properties of the collagen (Col)/Keratin scaffold were analyzed. Mouse C2C12 myoblast-laden Col/Keratin hydrogels were injected into the injury site and histological examination plus western blotting were performed to measure myogenic potential after 15 days. FTIR indicated an appropriate interaction between keratin and collagen. The blend of Col/Keratin delayed gelation time when compared to the collagen alone group. Rheological analysis revealed decreased stiffening in blended Col/Keratin hydrogel which is favorable for the extrudability of the hydrogel. Transplantation of C2C12 myoblast-laden Col/Keratin hydrogel to injured muscle tissues led to the formation of newly generated myofibers compared to cell-free hydrogel and collagen groups (p < 0.05). In the C2C12 myoblast-laden Col/Keratin group, a low number of CD31+ cells with minimum inflammatory cells was evident. Western blotting indicated the promotion of MyoD in mice that received cell-laden Col/Keratin hydrogel compared to the other groups (p < 0.05). Despite the increase of the myosin cell-laden Col/Keratin hydrogel group, no significant differences were obtained related to other groups (p > 0.05). The blend of Col/Keratin loaded with myoblasts provides a suitable myogenic platform for the alleviation of injured muscle tissue.

Recent Advancements in Hydrogel Biomedical Research in Italy

Hydrogels have emerged as versatile biomaterials with remarkable applications in biomedicine and tissue engineering. Here, we present an overview of recent and ongoing research in Italy, focusing on extracellular matrix-derived, natural, and synthetic hydrogels specifically applied to biomedicine and tissue engineering. The analyzed studies highlight the versatile nature and wide range of applicability of hydrogel-based studies. Attention is also given to the integration of hydrogels within bioreactor systems, specialized devices used in biological studies to culture cells under controlled conditions, enhancing their potential for regenerative medicine, drug discovery, and drug delivery. Despite the abundance of literature on this subject, a comprehensive overview of Italian contributions to the field of hydrogels-based biomedical research is still missing and is thus our focus for this review. Consolidating a diverse range of studies, the Italian scientific community presents a complete landscape for hydrogel use, shaping the future directions of biomaterials research. This review aspires to serve as a guide and map for Italian researchers interested in the development and use of hydrogels in biomedicine.

Versatile human cardiac tissues engineered with perfusable heart extracellular microenvironment for biomedical applications

Engineered human cardiac tissues have been utilized for various biomedical applications, including drug testing, disease modeling, and regenerative medicine. However, the applications of cardiac tissues derived from human pluripotent stem cells are often limited due to their immaturity and lack of functionality. Therefore, in this study, we establish a perfusable culture system based on in vivo-like heart microenvironments to improve human cardiac tissue fabrication. The integrated culture platform of a microfluidic chip and a three-dimensional heart extracellular matrix enhances human cardiac tissue development and their structural and functional maturation. These tissues are comprised of cardiovascular lineage cells, including cardiomyocytes and cardiac fibroblasts derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells, as well as vascular endothelial cells. The resultant macroscale human cardiac tissues exhibit improved efficacy in drug testing (small molecules with various levels of arrhythmia risk), disease modeling (Long QT Syndrome and cardiac fibrosis), and regenerative therapy (myocardial infarction treatment). Therefore, our culture system can serve as a highly effective tissue-engineering platform to provide human cardiac tissues for versatile biomedical applications.

Decellularization and Their Significance for Tissue Regeneration in the Era of 3D Bioprinting

Three-dimensional bioprinting is an emerging technology that has high potential application in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Increasing advancement and improvement in the decellularization process have led to an increase in the demand for using a decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM) to fabricate tissue engineered products. Decellularization is the process of retaining the extracellular matrix (ECM) while the cellular components are completely removed to harvest the ECM for the regeneration of various tissues and across different sources. Post decellularization of tissues and organs, they act as natural biomaterials to provide the biochemical and structural support to establish cell communication. Selection of an effective method for decellularization is crucial, and various factors like tissue density, geometric organization, and ECM composition affect the regenerative potential which has an impact on the end product. The dECM is a versatile material which is added as an important ingredient to formulate the bioink component for constructing tissue and organs for various significant studies. Bioink consisting of dECM from various sources is used to generate tissue-specific bioink that is unique and to mimic different biometric microenvironments. At present, there are many different techniques applied for decellularization, and the process is not standardized and regulated due to broad application. This review aims to provide an overview of different decellularization procedures, and we also emphasize the different dECM-derived bioinks present in the current global market and the major clinical outcomes. We have also highlighted an overview of benefits and limitations of different decellularization methods and various characteristic validations of decellularization and dECM-derived bioinks.

The dorsal portion of the bovine diaphragm as a useful tissue for producing a 3D muscle scaffold

Three-dimensional (3D) organoids are an innovative approach to obtain an in vitro model for ex vivo studies to overcome the limitations of monolayer cell culture and reduce the use of animal models. An organoid of skeletal muscle requires the presence of the extracellular matrix to represent a functional muscle in vitro, which is why decellularized tissue is an optimal choice. Various muscles have been considered to produce a muscle organoid, most from rodents or small animals, and only recently some studies have been reported on the muscles of large animals. This work presents a muscular organoid produced from the bovine diaphragm, which has a peculiar multilayered structure with different fibre orientations depending on the considered area. This paper analyses the anatomical structure of the bovine diaphragm, selects the most appropriate portion, and presents a decellularization protocol for a multilayered muscle. In addition, a preliminary test of recellularization with primary bovine myocytes was presented with the future aim of obtaining a 3D muscle allogenic organoid, completely bovine-derived. The results demonstrate that the dorsal portion of bovine diaphragm presents a regular alternation of muscular and fibrous layers and that the complete decellularization does not affect the biocompatibility. These results provide a strong foundation for the potential application of this portion of tissue as a scaffold for in vitro studies of muscle organoids.

Development and systematic evaluation of decellularization protocols in different application models for diaphragmatic tissue engineering

BACKGROUND

Tissue engineered bioscaffolds based on decellularized composites have gained increasing interest for treatment of various diaphragmatic impairments, including muscular atrophies and diaphragmatic hernias. Detergent-enzymatic treatment (DET) constitutes a standard strategy for diaphragmatic decellularization. However, there is scarce data on comparing DET protocols with different substances in distinct application models in their ability to maximize cellular removal while minimizing extracellular matrix (ECM) damage.

METHODS

We decellularized diaphragms of male Sprague Dawley rats with 1 % or 0.1 % sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and 4 % sodium deoxycholate (SDC) by orbital shaking (OS) or retrograde perfusion (RP) through the vena cava. We evaluated decellularized diaphragmatic samples by (1) quantitative analysis including DNA quantification and biomechanical testing, (2) qualitative and semiquantitative analysis by proteomics, as well as (3) qualitative assessment with macroscopic and microscopic evaluation by histological staining, immunohistochemistry and scanning electron microscopy.

RESULTS

All protocols produced decellularized matrices with micro- and ultramorphologically intact architecture and adequate biomechanical performance with gradual differences. The proteomic profile of decellularized matrices contained a broad range of primal core and ECM-associated proteins similar to native muscle. While no outstanding preference for one singular protocol was determinable, SDS-treated samples showed slightly beneficial properties in comparison to SDC-processed counterparts. Both application modalities proved suitable for DET.

CONCLUSION

DET with SDS or SDC via orbital shaking or retrograde perfusion constitute suitable methods to produce adequately decellularized matrices with characteristically preserved proteomic composition. Exposing compositional and functional specifics of variously treated grafts may enable establishing an ideal processing strategy to sustain valuable tissue characteristics and optimize consecutive recellularization. This aims to design an optimal bioscaffold for future transplantation in quantitative and qualitative diaphragmatic defects.

Three-Dimensional Bioprinting of Naturally Derived Hydrogels for the Production of Biomimetic Living Tissues: Benefits and Challenges

Three-dimensional bioprinting is the process of manipulating cell-laden bioinks to fabricate living structures. Three-dimensional bioprinting techniques have brought considerable innovation in biomedicine, especially in the field of tissue engineering, allowing the production of 3D organ and tissue models for in vivo transplantation purposes or for in-depth and precise in vitro analyses. Naturally derived hydrogels, especially those obtained from the decellularization of biological tissues, are promising bioinks for 3D printing purposes, as they present the best biocompatibility characteristics. Despite this, many natural hydrogels do not possess the necessary mechanical properties to allow a simple and immediate application in the 3D printing process. In this review, we focus on the bioactive and mechanical characteristics that natural hydrogels may possess to allow efficient production of organs and tissues for biomedical applications, emphasizing the reinforcement techniques to improve their biomechanical properties.

Tissue engineering modalities in skeletal muscles: focus on angiogenesis and immunomodulation properties

Muscular diseases and injuries are challenging issues in human medicine, resulting in physical disability. The advent of tissue engineering approaches has paved the way for the restoration and regeneration of injured muscle tissues along with available conventional therapies. Despite recent advances in the fabrication, synthesis, and application of hydrogels in terms of muscle tissue, there is a long way to find appropriate hydrogel types in patients with congenital and/or acquired musculoskeletal injuries. Regarding specific muscular tissue microenvironments, the applied hydrogels should provide a suitable platform for the activation of endogenous reparative mechanisms and concurrently deliver transplanting cells and therapeutics into the injured sites. Here, we aimed to highlight recent advances in muscle tissue engineering with a focus on recent strategies related to the regulation of vascularization and immune system response at the site of injury.

The diversified hydrogels for biomedical applications and their imperative roles in tissue regeneration

Repair and regeneration of tissues after injury are complex pathophysiological processes. Microbial infection, malnutrition, and an ischemic and hypoxic microenvironment in the injured area can impede the typical healing cascade. Distinguished by biomimicry of the extracellular matrix, high aqueous content, and diverse functions, hydrogels have revolutionized clinical practices in tissue regeneration owing to their outstanding hydrophilicity, biocompatibility, and biodegradability. Various hydrogels such as smart hydrogels, nanocomposite hydrogels, and acellular matrix hydrogels are widely used for applications ranging from bench-scale to an industrial scale. In this review, some emerging hydrogels in the biomedical field are briefly discussed. The protective roles of hydrogels in wound dressings and their diverse biological effects on multiple tissues such as bone, cartilage, nerve, muscle, and adipose tissue are also discussed. The vehicle functions of hydrogels for chemicals and cell payloads are detailed. Additionally, this review emphasizes the particular characteristics of hydrogel products that promote tissue repair and reconstruction such as anti-infection, inflammation regulation, and angiogenesis.

Biomaterials for Regenerative Medicine in Italy: Brief State of the Art of the Principal Research Centers

Regenerative medicine is the branch of medicine that effectively uses stem cell therapy and tissue engineering strategies to guide the healing or replacement of damaged tissues or organs. A crucial element is undoubtedly the biomaterial that guides biological events to restore tissue continuity. The polymers, natural or synthetic, find wide application thanks to their great adaptability. In fact, they can be used as principal components, coatings or vehicles to functionalize several biomaterials. There are many leading centers for the research and development of biomaterials in Italy. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the current state of the art on polymer research for regenerative medicine purposes. The last five years of scientific production of the main Italian research centers has been screened to analyze the current advancement in tissue engineering in order to highlight inputs for the development of novel biomaterials and strategies.

Preclinical Development of Bioengineered Allografts Derived from Decellularized Human Diaphragm

Volumetric muscle loss (VML) is the traumatic/surgical loss of skeletal muscle, causing aesthetic damage and functional impairment. Suboptimal current surgical treatments are driving research towards the development of optimised regenerative therapies. The grafting of bioengineered scaffolds derived from decellularized skeletal muscle may be a valid option to promote structural and functional healing. In this work, a cellular human diaphragm was considered as a scaffold material for VML treatment. Decellularization occurred through four detergent-enzymatic protocols involving (1) sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), (2) SDS + Tergitol^TM, (3) sodium deoxycholate, and (4) Tergitol^TM. After decellularization, cells, DNA (≤50 ng/mg of tissue), and muscle fibres were efficiently removed, with the preservation of collagen/elastin and 60%–70% of the glycosaminoglycan component. The detergent-enzymatic treatments did not affect the expression of specific extracellular matrix markers (Collagen I and IV, Laminin), while causing the loss of HLA-DR expression to produce non-immunogenic grafts. Adipose-derived stem cells grown by indirect co-culture with decellularized samples maintained 80%–90% viability, demonstrating the biosafety of the scaffolds. Overall, the tested protocols were quite equivalent, with the patches treated by SDS + Tergitol^TM showing better collagen preservation. After subcutaneous implant in Balb/c mice, these acellular diaphragmatic grafts did not elicit a severe immune reaction, integrating with the host tissue.

A programmable bilayer hydrogel actuator based on the asymmetric distribution of crystalline regions

A novel strategy to fabricate bilayer hydrogel actuators based on the asymmetric distribution of crystalline regions across the bilayer structures was proposed. By employing PVA polymer chains into an alkali solvent-derived chitosan hydrogel matrix, chitosan/PVA hybrid bilayer hydrogels with both excellent responsive bending and mechanical properties were obtained as pH-controlled manipulators. In the design, the chitosan/PVA hydrogels upon treatment with freeze-thawing cycles were taken as the first monolayer, where excessive crystalline regions appeared. The original chitosan/PVA hydrogel as the second monolayer was then integrated into one bilayer device through the chemical-crosslinking of epichlorohydrin at the interface. The results showed that the resultant chitosan/PVA bilayer hydrogel actuator with a weight ratio of 3 : 1 displayed better sensitivity upon exposure to stimuli. The actuation behaviors are strongly dependent on experimental parameters such as the pH, PVA content and the chemical-crosslinking density. It is proposed that the driving force originates from the asymmetric distribution of crystalline regions, thus resulting in differential swelling ratios between the monolayers. In addition, programmable 3D shape transformations were achieved by using the bilayer hydrogel with designed 2D geometric patterns, and the tailored gripper-like hydrogel actuator can successfully capture and transport the cargo. Moreover, this actuation behavior can be erased and re-written on demand under certain conditions. Taking advantage of this universal strategy, more attractive actuators derived from synthetic or natural polymers in combination with PVA are highly expected, which can be used as smart soft robots in various fields such as manipulators, grippers, and cantilever sensors.

Scaffold biomaterials and nano-based therapeutic strategies for skeletal muscle regeneration

Skeletal muscle is integral to the functioning of the human body. Several pathological conditions, such as trauma (primary lesion) or genetic diseases such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), can affect and impair its functions or exceed its regeneration capacity. Tissue engineering (TE) based on natural, synthetic and hybrid biomaterials provides a robust platform for developing scaffolds that promote skeletal muscle regeneration, strength recovery, vascularization and innervation. Recent 3D-cell printing technology and the use of nanocarriers for the release of drugs, peptides and antisense oligonucleotides support unique therapeutic alternatives. Here, the authors present recent advances in scaffold biomaterials and nano-based therapeutic strategies for skeletal muscle regeneration and perspectives for future endeavors.

Biomaterials and Their Biomedical Applications: From Replacement to Regeneration

The history of biomaterials dates back to the mists of time: human beings had always used exogenous materials to facilitate wound healing and try to restore damaged tissues and organs. Nowadays, a wide variety of materials are commercially available and many others are under investigation to both maintain and restore bodily functions. Emerging clinical needs forced the development of new biomaterials, and lately discovered biomaterials allowed for the performing of new clinical applications. The definition of biomaterials as materials specifically conceived for biomedical uses was raised when it was acknowledged that they have to possess a fundamental feature: biocompatibility. At first, biocompatibility was mainly associated with biologically inert substances; around the 1970s, bioactivity was first discovered and the definition of biomaterials was consequently extended. At present, it also includes biologically derived materials and biological tissues. The present work aims at walking across the history of biomaterials, looking towards the scientific literature published on this matter. Finally, some current applications of biomaterials are briefly depicted and their future exploitation is hypothesized.