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Simińska-Stanny J, Nicolas L, Chafai A, Jafari H, Hajiabbas M, Dodi G, Gardikiotis I, Delporte C, Nie L, Podstawczyk D, Shavandi A. Advanced PEG-tyramine biomaterial ink for precision engineering of perfusable and flexible small-diameter vascular constructs via coaxial printing. Bioact Mater 2024; 36:168-184. [PMID: 38463551 PMCID: PMC10924180 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2024.02.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Vascularization is crucial for providing nutrients and oxygen to cells while removing waste. Despite advances in 3D-bioprinting, the fabrication of structures with void spaces and channels remains challenging. This study presents a novel approach to create robust yet flexible and permeable small (600-1300 μm) artificial vessels in a single processing step using 3D coaxial extrusion printing of a biomaterial ink, based on tyramine-modified polyethylene glycol (PEG-Tyr). We combined the gelatin biocompatibility/activity, robustness of PEG-Tyr and alginate with the shear-thinning properties of methylcellulose (MC) in a new biomaterial ink for the fabrication of bioinspired vessels. Chemical characterization using NMR and FTIR spectroscopy confirmed the successful modification of PEG with Tyr and rheological characterization indicated that the addition of PEG-Tyr decreased the viscosity of the ink. Enzyme-mediated crosslinking of PEG-Tyr allowed the formation of covalent crosslinks within the hydrogel chains, ensuring its stability. PEG-Tyr units improved the mechanical properties of the material, resulting in stretchable and elastic constructs without compromising cell viability and adhesion. The printed vessel structures displayed uniform wall thickness, shape retention, improved elasticity, permeability, and colonization by endothelial-derived - EA.hy926 cells. The chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) and in vivo assays demonstrated the hydrogel's ability to support neoangiogenesis. The hydrogel material with PEG-Tyr modification holds promise for vascular tissue engineering applications, providing a flexible, biocompatible, and functional platform for the fabrication of vascular structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Simińska-Stanny
- Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), École polytechnique de Bruxelles, 3BIO-BioMatter, Avenue F.D. Roosevelt, 50 - CP 165/61, 1050, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Lise Nicolas
- Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), École polytechnique de Bruxelles, 3BIO-BioMatter, Avenue F.D. Roosevelt, 50 - CP 165/61, 1050, Brussels, Belgium
- European School of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Lorraine, Nancy, France
| | - Adam Chafai
- Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Micro-milli Platform, Avenue F.D. Roosevelt, 50 - CP 165/67, 1050, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Hafez Jafari
- Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), École polytechnique de Bruxelles, 3BIO-BioMatter, Avenue F.D. Roosevelt, 50 - CP 165/61, 1050, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Maryam Hajiabbas
- Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), École polytechnique de Bruxelles, 3BIO-BioMatter, Avenue F.D. Roosevelt, 50 - CP 165/61, 1050, Brussels, Belgium
- Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Faculté de Médecine, Campus Erasme - CP 611, Laboratory of Pathophysiological and Nutritional Biochemistry, Route de Lennik, 808, 1070, Bruxelles, Belgium
| | - Gianina Dodi
- Faculty of Medical Bioengineering, Grigore T. Popa, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Iasi, Romania
| | - Ioannis Gardikiotis
- Advanced Research and Development Center for Experimental Medicine, Grigore T. Popa, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Iasi, Romania
| | - Christine Delporte
- Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Faculté de Médecine, Campus Erasme - CP 611, Laboratory of Pathophysiological and Nutritional Biochemistry, Route de Lennik, 808, 1070, Bruxelles, Belgium
| | - Lei Nie
- Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), École polytechnique de Bruxelles, 3BIO-BioMatter, Avenue F.D. Roosevelt, 50 - CP 165/61, 1050, Brussels, Belgium
- College of Life Science, Xinyang Normal University, Xinyang, China
| | - Daria Podstawczyk
- Department of Process Engineering and Technology of Polymer and Carbon Materials, Faculty of Chemistry, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Norwida 4/6, 50-373, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Amin Shavandi
- Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), École polytechnique de Bruxelles, 3BIO-BioMatter, Avenue F.D. Roosevelt, 50 - CP 165/61, 1050, Brussels, Belgium
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Nishimura T, Takebe T. Synthetic human gonadal tissues for toxicology. Reprod Toxicol 2024; 126:108598. [PMID: 38657700 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2024.108598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
The process of mammalian reproduction involves the development of fertile germ cells in the testis and ovary, supported by the surrounders. Fertilization leads to embryo development and ultimately the birth of offspring inheriting parental genome information. Any disruption in this process can result in disorders such as infertility and cancer. Chemical toxicity affecting the reproductive system and embryogenesis can impact birth rates, overall health, and fertility, highlighting the need for animal toxicity studies during drug development. However, the translation of animal data to human health remains challenging due to interspecies differences. In vitro culture systems offer a promising solution to bridge this gap, allowing the study of mammalian cells in an environment that mimics the physiology of the human body. Current advances on in vitro culture systems, such as organoids, enable the development of biomaterials that recapitulate the physiological state of reproductive organs. Application of these technologies to human gonadal cells would provide effective tools for drug screening and toxicity testing, and these models would be a powerful tool to study reproductive biology and pathology. This review focuses on the 2D/3D culture systems of human primary testicular and ovarian cells, highlighting the novel approaches for in vitro study of human reproductive toxicology, specifically in the context of testis and ovary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshiya Nishimura
- WPI Premium Research Institute for Human Metaverse Medicine (WPI-PRIMe), Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan.
| | - Takanori Takebe
- WPI Premium Research Institute for Human Metaverse Medicine (WPI-PRIMe), Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan; Division of Stem Cell and Organoid Medicine, Department of Genome Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan; Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA; Institute of Research, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo 113-8510, Japan; Center for Stem Cell and Organoid Medicine (CuSTOM), Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA; Communication Design Center, Advanced Medical Research Center, Yokohama City University, Yokohama 236-0004, Japan.
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Dadashzadeh A, Moghassemi S, Amorim CA. Bioprinting of a Liposomal Oxygen-Releasing Scaffold for Ovary Tissue Engineering. Tissue Eng Part A 2024. [PMID: 38534964 DOI: 10.1089/ten.tea.2024.0003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
This study addresses a critical challenge in bioprinting for regenerative medicine, specifically the issue of hypoxia compromising cell viability in engineered tissues. To overcome this hurdle, a novel approach using a microfluidic bioprinter is used to create a two-layer structure resembling the human ovary. This structure incorporates a liposomal oxygen-releasing system to enhance cell viability. The bioprinting technique enables the simultaneous extrusion of two distinct bioinks, namely, bioink A (comprising alginate 1% and 5 mg/mL PEGylated fibrinogen in a 20:1 molar ratio) and bioink B (containing alginate 0.5%). In addition, liposomal catalase and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) are synthesized and incorporated into bioinks A and B, respectively. The liposomes are prepared using thin film hydration with a monodisperse size (140-160 nm) and high encapsulation efficiency. To assess construct functionality, isolated human ovarian cells are added to bioink A. The bioprinted constructs, with or without liposomal oxygen-releasing systems, are cultured under hypoxic and normoxic conditions for 3 days. Live/Dead assay results demonstrate that liposomal oxygen-releasing systems effectively preserve cell viability in hypoxic conditions, resembling viability under normoxic conditions without liposomes. PrestoBlue assay reveals significantly higher mitochondrial activity in constructs with liposomal oxygen delivery systems under both hypoxic and normoxic conditions. The evaluation of apoptosis status through annexin V immunostaining shows that liposomal oxygen-releasing scaffolds successfully protect cells from hypoxic stress, exhibiting a proportion of apoptotic cells similar to normoxic conditions. In contrast, constructs lacking liposomes in hypoxic conditions exhibit a higher incidence of cells in early-stage apoptosis. In conclusion, the study demonstrates the promising potential of bioprinted oxygen-releasing liposomal scaffolds to protect ovarian stromal cells in hypoxic environments. These innovative scaffolds not only offer protection but also recapitulate the mechanical differences between the medulla and the cortex in the normal ovary structure. This opens new avenues for advanced ovary tissue engineering and transplantation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arezoo Dadashzadeh
- Pôle de Recherche en Physiopathologie de la Reproduction, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Saeid Moghassemi
- Pôle de Recherche en Physiopathologie de la Reproduction, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Christiani A Amorim
- Pôle de Recherche en Physiopathologie de la Reproduction, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
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Moghassemi S, Dadashzadeh A, Jafari H, Ghaffari-Bohlouli P, Shavandi A, Amorim CA. Liposomal oxygen-generating hydrogel for enhancing cell survival under hypoxia condition. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2023; 231:113562. [PMID: 37774524 DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2023.113562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023]
Abstract
The inadequate oxygen supply to engineered tissues has been a persistent challenge in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. To overcome this limitation, we developed a scaffold combined with an oxygen-releasing liposomal system comprising catalase-loaded liposomes (CAT@Lip) and H2O2-loaded liposomes (H2O2@Lip). This oxygenation system has shown high cytocompatibility when they were applied to human stromal cells. Under hypoxic conditions, the cell viability enclosed in the oxygen-releasing liposomal alginate hydrogel (94.62 ± 3.46 %) was significantly higher than that of cells enclosed in hydrogel without liposomes (47.18 ± 9.68 %). There was no significant difference in cell viability and apoptosis rate compared to normoxia conditions after three days, indicating the effectiveness of the oxygen-releasing approach in hypoxic conditions. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that the use of liposomal oxygen-releasing scaffolds can overcome the oxygen diffusion challenge in tissue implant fabrication, providing a simple solution for cellular oxygenation that could be a crucial element in tissue engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saeid Moghassemi
- Pôle de Recherche en Physiopathologie de la Reproduction, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Arezoo Dadashzadeh
- Pôle de Recherche en Physiopathologie de la Reproduction, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Hafez Jafari
- BioMatter unit - École polytechnique de Bruxelles, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Avenue F.D. Roosevelt, 50 - CP 165/61, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Pejman Ghaffari-Bohlouli
- BioMatter unit - École polytechnique de Bruxelles, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Avenue F.D. Roosevelt, 50 - CP 165/61, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Amin Shavandi
- BioMatter unit - École polytechnique de Bruxelles, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Avenue F.D. Roosevelt, 50 - CP 165/61, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Christiani A Amorim
- Pôle de Recherche en Physiopathologie de la Reproduction, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium.
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Simińska-Stanny J, Hachemi F, Dodi G, Cojocaru FD, Gardikiotis I, Podstawczyk D, Delporte C, Jiang G, Nie L, Shavandi A. Optimizing phenol-modified hyaluronic acid for designing shape-maintaining biofabricated hydrogel scaffolds in soft tissue engineering. Int J Biol Macromol 2023:125201. [PMID: 37270140 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.125201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
In this study, we developed a well-printable biomaterial ink for 3D printing of shape-maintaining hydrogel scaffolds. The hydrogel base comprised tyramine-modified hyaluronic acid (HA-Tyr) and gelatin methacrylate (GelMA) and was dually cross-linked. Using the Box-Behnken design, we explored how varying the ink composition affected fiber formation and shape preservation. By adjusting the polymer ratios, we produced a stable hydrogel with varying responses, from a viscous liquid to a thick gel, and optimized 3D scaffolds that were structurally stable both during and after printing, offering precision and flexibility. Our ink exhibited shear-thinning behavior and high swelling capacity, as well as ECM-like characteristics and biocompatibility, making it an ideal candidate for soft tissues matrices with storage modulus of around 300 Pa. Animal trials and CAM assays confirmed its biocompatibility and integration with host tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Simińska-Stanny
- Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB), École polytechnique de Bruxelles, 3BIO-BioMatter, Avenue F.D. Roosevelt, 50 - CP 165/61, 1050 Brussels, Belgium; Department of Process Engineering and Technology of Polymer and Carbon Materials, Faculty of Chemistry, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Norwida 4/6, 50-373 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Feza Hachemi
- Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB), École polytechnique de Bruxelles, 3BIO-BioMatter, Avenue F.D. Roosevelt, 50 - CP 165/61, 1050 Brussels, Belgium; Université Paris Saclay, Polytech Paris Saclay, Rue Louis de Broglie, 91400 Orsay, France
| | - Gianina Dodi
- Faculty of Medical Bioengineering, Grigore T. Popa, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Iasi, Romania
| | - Florina D Cojocaru
- Faculty of Medical Bioengineering, Grigore T. Popa, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Iasi, Romania
| | - Ioannis Gardikiotis
- Advanced Research and Development Center for Experimental Medicine (CEMEX), Grigore T. Popa, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Iasi, Romania
| | - Daria Podstawczyk
- Department of Process Engineering and Technology of Polymer and Carbon Materials, Faculty of Chemistry, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Norwida 4/6, 50-373 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Christine Delporte
- Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Faculté de Médecine, Campus Erasme - CP 611, Laboratory of Pathophysiological and Nutritional Biochemistry, Route de Lennik, 808, 1070 Bruxelles, Belgium
| | - Guohua Jiang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, China; International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Intelligent Biomaterials and Functional Fibers, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lei Nie
- Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB), École polytechnique de Bruxelles, 3BIO-BioMatter, Avenue F.D. Roosevelt, 50 - CP 165/61, 1050 Brussels, Belgium; College of Life Science, Xinyang Normal University, Xinyang, China
| | - Amin Shavandi
- Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB), École polytechnique de Bruxelles, 3BIO-BioMatter, Avenue F.D. Roosevelt, 50 - CP 165/61, 1050 Brussels, Belgium.
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Fabrication of Silk Hydrogel Scaffolds with Aligned Porous Structures and Tunable Mechanical Properties. Gels 2023; 9:gels9030181. [PMID: 36975630 PMCID: PMC10048404 DOI: 10.3390/gels9030181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The effectiveness of cell culture and tissue regeneration largely depends on the structural and physiochemical characteristics of tissue-engineering scaffolds. Hydrogels are frequently employed in tissue engineering because of their high-water content and strong biocompatibility, making them the ideal scaffold materials for simulating tissue structures and properties. However, hydrogels created using traditional methods have low mechanical strength and a non-porous structure, which severely restrict their application. Herein, we successfully developed silk fibroin glycidyl methacrylate (SF-GMA) hydrogels with oriented porous structures and substantial toughness through directional freezing (DF) and in situ photo-crosslinking (DF-SF-GMA). The oriented porous structures in the DF-SF-GMA hydrogels were induced by directional ice templates and maintained after photo-crosslinking. The mechanical properties, particularly the toughness, of these scaffolds were enhanced compared to the traditional bulk hydrogels. Interestingly, the DF-SF-GMA hydrogels exhibit fast stress relaxation and variable viscoelasticity. The remarkable biocompatibility of the DF-SF-GMA hydrogels was further demonstrated in cell culture. Accordingly, this work reports a method to prepare tough SF hydrogels with aligned porous structures, which can be extensively applied to cell culture and tissue engineering.
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Moghassemi S, Dadashzadeh A, Camboni A, Feron O, Azevedo RB, Amorim CA. Ex vivo purging of cancer cells from ovarian tissue using photodynamic therapy: a novel strategy to restore fertility in leukemia patients. Hum Reprod Open 2023; 2023:hoad005. [PMID: 36895885 PMCID: PMC9991580 DOI: 10.1093/hropen/hoad005] [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: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Is it possible to purge leukemia cells from ovarian tissue (OT) fragments before transplantation? SUMMARY ANSWER Our photodynamic therapy (PDT) approach has been shown to efficiently destroy leukemia cells from tumor-infiltration mimicking models (TIMs), indicating the feasibility of this technique to purge OT samples. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Autotransplantation of cryopreserved OT is the most suitable option to preserve fertility for prepubertal girls and women who require immediate cancer treatment. Up until now, more than 200 live births have already been reported after OT cryopreservation and transplantation. Leukemia is the 12th most common cancer in Europe among prepubertal girls and women of reproductive age and in 2020, the estimated number of new leukemia cases was higher than 33 000 in girls between 0 and 19 years old. Unfortunately, once their health has been restored, autotransplantation of cryopreserved OT for leukemia patients is not advised due to the high risk of transferring malignant cells back to the patient leading to leukemia recurrence. STUDY DESIGN SIZE DURATION To safely transplant the OT from leukemia patients and restore their fertility, our goal was to develop a PDT strategy to eliminate leukemia ex vivo. To this end, we designed OR141-loaded niosomes (ORN) to create the most effective formulation for ex vivo purging of acute myelogenous leukemia cells from OT fragments (n = 4). Moreover, to ensure that such treatments are not harmful to follicle survival and development so they can be deemed a potential fertility restoration alternative, the effect of the ORN-based PDT purging procedure on follicles was assessed after xenografting the photodynamic-treated OT in SCID mice (n = 5). The work was carried out between September 2020 and April 2022 at the Catholic University of Louvain. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS SETTING METHODS After establishing the best ORN formulation, our PDT approach was used to eradicate HL60 cells from ex vivo TIMs prepared by microinjection of a cancer cell suspension into OT fragments. The purging efficiency was analyzed by droplet digital polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemical analyses. Additionally, we evaluated the effect of ORN-based PDT on follicle density, survival and development, and tissue quality in terms of fibrotic areas and vascularization after 7-day xenotransplantation to immunodeficient mice. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE The ex vivo purging of TIMs demonstrated that our PDT strategy could selectively eradicate the malignant cells from tissue fragments without affecting OT normal cells, as evidenced by PCR and immunohistochemical analysis. Regarding the effect of our PDT approach on follicle population and OT quality, our results after xenotransplantation revealed no significant difference between the follicle density of control (non-treated, grafted OT) and PDT-treated groups (2.38 ± 0.63 and 3.21 ± 1.94 morphologically normal follicles/mm2, respectively). In addition, our findings showed that the control and PDT-treated OT could be equally vascularized (7.65 ± 1.45% and 9.89 ± 2.21%, respectively). Similarly, the proportions of fibrotic area did not differ between the control (15.96 ± 5.94%) and PDT-treated groups (13.32 ± 3.05%). LARGE SCALE DATA N/A. LIMITATIONS REASONS FOR CAUTION This study did not use OT fragments from leukemia patients, but TIMs created after injection of HL60 cells into OT from healthy patients. Therefore, while the results are promising, whether our PDT approach will be equally successful in eliminating malignant cells from leukemia patients remains to be assessed. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Our results showed that the purging procedure causes no significant impairment effect on follicle development and tissue quality, suggesting that our novel PDT procedure could be a promising strategy to destroy leukemia cells in fragments of OT, allowing safe transplantation in cancer survivors. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS This study was supported by grants from the Fonds National de la Recherche Scientifique de Belgique (FNRS-PDR Convention grant number T.0004.20 awarded to C.A.A.); Fondation Louvain (awarded to C.A.A.; a Ph.D. scholarship awarded to S.M., as part of a legacy from Mr Frans Heyes, and a Ph.D. scholarship awarded to A.D. as part of a legacy from Mrs. Ilse Schirmer); and Foundation Against Cancer (grant number 2018-042 awarded to A.C.). The authors declare no competing interests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saeid Moghassemi
- Pôle de Recherche en Physiopathologie de la Reproduction, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Arezoo Dadashzadeh
- Pôle de Recherche en Physiopathologie de la Reproduction, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Alessandra Camboni
- Pôle de Recherche en Gynécologie, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium.,Service d'Anatomie Pathologique, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Olivier Feron
- Pôle de Pharmacologie et Thérapeutique, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Ricardo Bentes Azevedo
- Laboratory of Nanobiotechnology, Department of Genetics and Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília DF, Brazil
| | - Christiani A Amorim
- Pôle de Recherche en Physiopathologie de la Reproduction, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
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Dadashzadeh A, Moghassemi S, Grubliauskaité M, Vlieghe H, Brusa D, Amorim CA. Medium supplementation can influence the human ovarian cells in vitro. J Ovarian Res 2022; 15:137. [PMID: 36572931 PMCID: PMC9791781 DOI: 10.1186/s13048-022-01081-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cells are an essential part of the triple principles of tissue engineering and a crucial component of the engineered ovary as they can induce angiogenesis, synthesize extracellular matrix and influence follicle development. Here, we hypothesize that by changing the medium supplementation, we can obtain different cell populations isolated from the human ovary to use in the engineered ovary. To this end, we have in vitro cultured cells isolated from the menopausal ovarian cortex using different additives: KnockOut serum replacement (KO), fetal bovine serum (FBS), human serum albumin (HSA), and platelet lysate (PL). RESULTS Our results showed that most cells soon after isolation (pre-culture, control) and cells in KO and FBS groups were CD31- CD34- (D0: vs. CD31-CD34+, CD31 + CD34+, and CD31 + CD34- p < 0.0001; KO: vs. CD31-CD34+, CD31 + CD34+, and CD31 + CD34- p < 0.0001; FBS: vs. CD31-CD34+ and CD31 + CD34+ p < 0.001, and vs. CD31 + CD34- p < 0.01). Moreover, a deeper analysis of the CD31-CD34- population demonstrated a significant augmentation (more than 86%) of the CD73+ and CD90+ cells (possibly fibroblasts, mesenchymal stem cells, or pericytes) in KO- and FBS-based media compared to the control (around 16%; p < 0.001). Still, in the CD31-CD34- population, we found a higher proportion (60%) of CD90+ and PDPN+ cells (fibroblast-like cells) compared to the control (around 7%; vs PL and KO p < 0.01 and vs FBS p < 0.001). Additionally, around 70% of cells in KO- and FBS-based media were positive for CD105 and CD146, which may indicate an increase in the number of pericytes in these media compared to a low percentage (4%) in the control group (vs KO and FBS p < 0.001). On the other hand, we remarked a significant decrease of CD31- CD34+ cells after in vitro culture using all different medium additives (HSA vs D0 p < 0.001, PL, KO, and FBS vs D0 P < 0.01). We also observed a significant increase in epithelial cells (CD326+) when the medium was supplemented with KO (vs D0 p < 0.05). Interestingly, HSA and PL showed more lymphatic endothelial cells compared to other groups (CD31 + CD34+: HSA and PL vs KO and FBS p < 0.05; CD31 + CD34 + CD90 + PDPN+: HSA and PL vs D0 p < 0.01). CONCLUSION Our results demonstrate that medium additives can influence the cell populations, which serve as building blocks for the engineered tissue. Therefore, according to the final application, different media can be used in vitro to favor different cell types, which will be incorporated into a functional matrix.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arezoo Dadashzadeh
- grid.7942.80000 0001 2294 713XPôle de Recherche en Physiopathologie de la Reproduction, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université Catholique de Louvain, Avenue Hippocrate 55, bte B1.55.03, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Saeid Moghassemi
- grid.7942.80000 0001 2294 713XPôle de Recherche en Physiopathologie de la Reproduction, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université Catholique de Louvain, Avenue Hippocrate 55, bte B1.55.03, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Monika Grubliauskaité
- grid.459837.40000 0000 9826 8822Department of Biobank, National Cancer Institute, 08660 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Hanne Vlieghe
- grid.7942.80000 0001 2294 713XPôle de Recherche en Physiopathologie de la Reproduction, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université Catholique de Louvain, Avenue Hippocrate 55, bte B1.55.03, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Davide Brusa
- grid.7942.80000 0001 2294 713XCytoFlux-Flow Cytometry and Cell Sorting Platform, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université Catholique de Louvain, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Christiani A. Amorim
- grid.7942.80000 0001 2294 713XPôle de Recherche en Physiopathologie de la Reproduction, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université Catholique de Louvain, Avenue Hippocrate 55, bte B1.55.03, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
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Moghassemi S, Dadashzadeh A, Camboni A, Feron O, Azevedo RB, Amorim CA. Photodynamic therapy using OR141-loaded nanovesicles for eradication of leukemic cells from ovarian tissue. Photodiagnosis Photodyn Ther 2022; 40:103139. [PMID: 36198387 DOI: 10.1016/j.pdpdt.2022.103139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
In 2020, the estimated number of new leukemia cases was higher than 30,000 in girls between 0 and 19 years old. Due to cancer treatment, some of these patients may lose both endocrine and reproductive functions. Transplantation of cryopreserved ovarian tissue is not advised after cancer remission because it has a high risk of reintroducing malignant cells in the patient, potentially leading to leukemia recurrence. To safely transplant the ovarian tissue from these patients and restore their fertility, our goal was to develop a photodynamic therapy (PDT) strategy to eliminate leukemia ex vivo. To this end, we designed, optimized, and characterized OR141-loaded niosomes (ORN) to develop the most effective formulation for ex vivo purging ovarian fragments from chronic myelogenous leukemia cells. After establishing the best ORN formulation, the PDT efficiency of optimized ORN was determined for human ovarian stromal cells and acute myeloid leukemia cell line (HL60). Blank niosomes treatment on ovarian stromal cells causes no significant toxicity, showing that the composition of the nanoparticle is not toxic. On the other hand, the in vitro studies showed that while ovarian stromal cells were still viable (82.04 ± 2.79%) after the treatment by 0.5 µM ORN, the same treatment yielded 95.43 ± 3.89% toxicity and cell death in the cancer cells. In conclusion, our results showed that our novel PDT procedure could be a promising strategy to destroy leukemia cells in ovarian tissue fragments allowing safe transplantation in cancer survivors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saeid Moghassemi
- Pôle de Recherche en Physiopathologie de la Reproduction, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Arezoo Dadashzadeh
- Pôle de Recherche en Physiopathologie de la Reproduction, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Alessandra Camboni
- Pôle de Recherche en Gynécologie, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium; Service d'Anatomie Pathologique, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Olivier Feron
- Pôle de Pharmacologie et Thérapeutique, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Ricardo Bentes Azevedo
- Laboratory of Nanobiotechnology, Department of Genetics and Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Christiani A Amorim
- Pôle de Recherche en Physiopathologie de la Reproduction, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium.
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Tannic acid post-treatment of enzymatically crosslinked chitosan-alginate hydrogels for biomedical applications. Carbohydr Polym 2022; 295:119844. [DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2022.119844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
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11
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Xue Y, Shang L. Are we ready for the revision of the 14-day rule? Implications from Chinese legislations guiding human embryo and embryoid research. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:1016988. [PMID: 36353513 PMCID: PMC9637635 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.1016988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
The ISSCR recently released new guidelines that relaxed the 14-day rule taking away the tough barrier, and this has rekindled relevant ethical controversies and posed a fresh set of challenges to each nation's legislations and policies directly or indirectly. To understand its broad implications and the variation and impact of China's relevant national policies, we reviewed and evaluated Chinese laws, administrative regulations, departmental rules, and normative documents on fundamental and preclinical research involving human embryos from 1985 to 2022 in this paper. We have historically examined whether these regulations, including a 14-day rule, had restrictions on human embryo research, and whether and how these policies affected human embryo and embryoid research in China. We also discussed and assessed the backdrop in which China has endeavored to handle such as the need for expanding debates among justice practice, academia, and the public, and the shifting external environment influenced by fast-developing science and technology and people's culture and religions. In general, Chinese society commonly opposes giving embryos or fetuses the legal status of humans, presumably due to the Chinese public not seeming to have any strong religious beliefs regarding the embryo. On this basis, they do not strongly oppose the potential expansion of the 14-day rule. After the guidelines to strengthen governance over ethics in science, and technology were released by the Chinese government in 2022, Chinese policymakers have incorporated bioethics into the national strategic goals using a "People-Centered" approach to develop and promote an ecological civilization. Specifically, China follows the "precautionary principle" based on ethical priority as it believes that if scientific research carries any potential technological and moral risks on which no social ethical consensus has been attained, there would be a need to impose oversight for prevention and precaution. At the same time, China has adopted a hybrid legislative model of legislation and ethical regulations with criminal, civil and administrative sanctions and a 14-day limit specified within its national hESCs guidelines. This would certainly be a useful example for other countries to use when considering the possibility of developing a comprehensive, credible and sustainable regulatory framework.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Xue
- Law School, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
- Center for Biosafety Research and Strategy, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Lijun Shang
- School of Human Sciences, London Metropolitan University, London, United Kingdom
- Biological Security Center, London Metropolitan University, London, United Kingdom
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12
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Moghassemi S, Dadashzadeh A, de Azevedo RB, Amorim CA. Secure transplantation by tissue purging using photodynamic therapy to eradicate malignant cells. JOURNAL OF PHOTOCHEMISTRY AND PHOTOBIOLOGY. B, BIOLOGY 2022; 234:112546. [PMID: 36029759 DOI: 10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2022.112546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 08/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The field of photodynamic therapy (PDT) for treating various malignant neoplasms has been given researchers' attention due to its ability to be a selective and minimally invasive cancer therapy strategy. The possibility of tumor cell infection and hence high recurrence rates in cancer patients tends to restrict autologous transplantation. So, the photodynamic tissue purging process, which consists of selective photoinactivation of the malignant cells in the graft, is defined as a compromising strategy to purify contaminated tissues before transplantation. In this strategy, the direct malignant cells' death results from the reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation through the activation of a photosensitizer (PS) by light exposure in the presence of oxygen. Since new PS generations can effectively penetrate the tissue, PDT could be an ideal ex vivo tissue purging protocol that eradicates cancer cells derived from various malignancies. The challenge is that the applied pharmacologic ex vivo tissue purging should efficiently induce tumor cells with minor influence on normal tissue cells. This review aims to provide an overview of the current status of the most effective PDT strategies and PS development concerning their potential application in ex vivo purging before hematopoietic stem cell or ovarian tissue transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saeid Moghassemi
- Pôle de Recherche en Physiopathologie de la Reproduction, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Arezoo Dadashzadeh
- Pôle de Recherche en Physiopathologie de la Reproduction, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Ricardo Bentes de Azevedo
- Laboratory of Nanobiotechnology, Department of Genetics and Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília DF, Brazil
| | - Christiani A Amorim
- Pôle de Recherche en Physiopathologie de la Reproduction, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium.
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13
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Zhang G, Qiu H, Elkhodary KI, Tang S, Peng D. Modeling Tunable Fracture in Hydrogel Shell Structures for Biomedical Applications. Gels 2022; 8:gels8080515. [PMID: 36005116 PMCID: PMC9407534 DOI: 10.3390/gels8080515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2022] [Revised: 07/31/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Hydrogels are nowadays widely used in various biomedical applications, and show great potential for the making of devices such as biosensors, drug- delivery vectors, carriers, or matrices for cell cultures in tissue engineering, etc. In these applications, due to the irregular complex surface of the human body or its organs/structures, the devices are often designed with a small thickness, and are required to be flexible when attached to biological surfaces. The devices will deform as driven by human motion and under external loading. In terms of mechanical modeling, most of these devices can be abstracted as shells. In this paper, we propose a mixed graph-finite element method (FEM) phase field approach to model the fracture of curved shells composed of hydrogels, for biomedical applications. We present herein examples for the fracture of a wearable biosensor, a membrane-coated drug, and a matrix for a cell culture, each made of a hydrogel. Used in combination with experimental material testing, our method opens a new pathway to the efficient modeling of fracture in biomedical devices with surfaces of arbitrary curvature, helping in the design of devices with tunable fracture properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gang Zhang
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Equipment Intensification and Intrinsic Safety, Wuhan 430205, China
- School of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Wuhan Institute of Technology, Wuhan 430200, China
| | - Hai Qiu
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang 212003, China
| | - Khalil I. Elkhodary
- The Department of Mechanical Engineering, The American University in Cairo, New Cairo 11835, Egypt
| | - Shan Tang
- Department of Engineering Mechanics, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
- State Key Laboratory of Structural Analysis for Industrial Equipment, International Research Center for Computational Mechanics, Department of Engineering Mechanics, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
- Correspondence: (S.T.); (D.P.)
| | - Dan Peng
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116023, China
- Correspondence: (S.T.); (D.P.)
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Jafari H, Ghaffari-Bohlouli P, Niknezhad SV, Abedi A, Izadifar Z, Mohammadinejad R, Varma RS, Shavandi A. Tannic acid: a versatile polyphenol for design of biomedical hydrogels. J Mater Chem B 2022; 10:5873-5912. [PMID: 35880440 DOI: 10.1039/d2tb01056a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Tannic acid (TA), a natural polyphenol, is a hydrolysable amphiphilic tannin derivative of gallic acid with several galloyl groups in its structure. Tannic acid interacts with various organic, inorganic, hydrophilic, and hydrophobic materials such as proteins and polysaccharides via hydrogen bonding, electrostatic, coordinative bonding, and hydrophobic interactions. Tannic acid has been studied for various biomedical applications as a natural crosslinker with anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and anticancer activities. In this review, we focus on TA-based hydrogels for biomaterials engineering to help biomaterials scientists and engineers better realize TA's potential in the design and fabrication of novel hydrogel biomaterials. The interactions of TA with various natural or synthetic compounds are deliberated, discussing parameters that affect TA-material interactions thus providing a fundamental set of criteria for utilizing TA in hydrogels for tissue healing and regeneration. The review also discusses the merits and demerits of using TA in developing hydrogels either through direct incorporation in the hydrogel formulation or indirectly via immersing the final product in a TA solution. In general, TA is a natural bioactive molecule with diverse potential for engineering biomedical hydrogels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hafez Jafari
- Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB), École polytechnique de Bruxelles, 3BIO-BioMatter, Avenue F.D. Roosevelt, 50 - CP 165/61, 1050 Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Pejman Ghaffari-Bohlouli
- Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB), École polytechnique de Bruxelles, 3BIO-BioMatter, Avenue F.D. Roosevelt, 50 - CP 165/61, 1050 Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Seyyed Vahid Niknezhad
- Burn and Wound Healing Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, 71345-1978, Iran
| | - Ali Abedi
- Department of Life Science Engineering, Faculty of New Sciences and Technology, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zohreh Izadifar
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Reza Mohammadinejad
- Research Center of Tropical and Infectious Diseases, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Rajender S Varma
- Regional Centre of Advanced Technologies and Materials, Czech Advanced Technology and Research Institute, Palacky University, Šlechtitelů 27, 783 71, Olomouc, Czech Republic.
| | - Amin Shavandi
- Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB), École polytechnique de Bruxelles, 3BIO-BioMatter, Avenue F.D. Roosevelt, 50 - CP 165/61, 1050 Brussels, Belgium.
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15
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Anionic exopolysaccharide from Cryptococcus laurentii 70766 as an alternative for alginate for biomedical hydrogels. Int J Biol Macromol 2022; 212:370-380. [PMID: 35613678 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.05.133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Alginates are widely used polysaccharides for biomaterials engineering, which functional properties depend on guluronic and mannuronic acid as the building blocks. In this study, enzymatically crosslinked hydrogels based on sodium alginate (Na-Alg) and the exopolysaccharide (EPS) derived from Cryptococcus laurentii 70766 with glucuronic acid residues were synthesized and characterized as a new potential source of polysaccharide for biomaterials engineering. The EPS was extracted (1.05 ± 0.57 g/L) through ethanol precipitation. Then the EPS and Na-Alg were functionalized with tyramine hydrochloride to produce enzymatically crosslinked hydrogels in the presence of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) and H2O2. Major characteristics of the hydrogels such as gelling time, swelling ratio, rheology, cell viability, and biodegradability were studied. The swelling ratio and degradation profile of both hydrogels showed negative values, indicating an increased crosslinking degree and a lower water uptake percentage. The EPS hydrogel showed similar gelation kinetics compared to the Alg hydrogel. The EPS and its hydrogel were found cytocompatible. The results indicate the potential of EPS from C. laurentii 70766 for biomedical engineering due to its biocompatibility and degradability. Further studies are needed to confirm this EPS as an alternative for Alg in tissue engineering applications, particularly in the development of wound dressing products.
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Ali F, Khan I, Chen J, Akhtar K, Bakhsh EM, Khan SB. Emerging Fabrication Strategies of Hydrogels and Its Applications. Gels 2022; 8:gels8040205. [PMID: 35448106 PMCID: PMC9024659 DOI: 10.3390/gels8040205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, hydrogels have been investigated for the controlled release of bioactive molecules, such as for living cell encapsulation and matrices. Due to their remote controllability and quick response, hydrogels are widely used for various applications, including drug delivery. The rate and extent to which the drugs reach their targets are highly dependent on the carriers used in drug delivery systems; therefore the demand for biodegradable and intelligent carriers is progressively increasing. The biodegradable nature of hydrogel has created much interest for its use in drug delivery systems. The first part of this review focuses on emerging fabrication strategies of hydrogel, including physical and chemical cross-linking, as well as radiation cross-linking. The second part describes the applications of hydrogels in various fields, including drug delivery systems. In the end, an overview of the application of hydrogels prepared from several natural polymers in drug delivery is presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fayaz Ali
- Department of Chemistry, King Abdulaziz University, P.O. Box 80203, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; (F.A.); (K.A.); (E.M.B.)
- Centre of Excellence for Advance Materials Research, King Abdulaziz University, P.O. Box 80203, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Imran Khan
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science & Technology Avenida Wai Long, Taipa, Macau 999078, China;
| | - Jianmin Chen
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Technology, Putian University, No. 1133 Xueyuan Zhong Jie, Putian 351100, China
- Correspondence: (J.C.); (S.B.K.)
| | - Kalsoom Akhtar
- Department of Chemistry, King Abdulaziz University, P.O. Box 80203, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; (F.A.); (K.A.); (E.M.B.)
| | - Esraa M. Bakhsh
- Department of Chemistry, King Abdulaziz University, P.O. Box 80203, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; (F.A.); (K.A.); (E.M.B.)
| | - Sher Bahadar Khan
- Department of Chemistry, King Abdulaziz University, P.O. Box 80203, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; (F.A.); (K.A.); (E.M.B.)
- Centre of Excellence for Advance Materials Research, King Abdulaziz University, P.O. Box 80203, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Correspondence: (J.C.); (S.B.K.)
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17
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Francés-Herrero E, Lopez R, Hellström M, de Miguel-Gómez L, Herraiz S, Brännström M, Pellicer A, Cervelló I. OUP accepted manuscript. Hum Reprod Update 2022; 28:798-837. [PMID: 35652272 PMCID: PMC9629485 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmac025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To provide the optimal milieu for implantation and fetal development, the female reproductive system must orchestrate uterine dynamics with the appropriate hormones produced by the ovaries. Mature oocytes may be fertilized in the fallopian tubes, and the resulting zygote is transported toward the uterus, where it can implant and continue developing. The cervix acts as a physical barrier to protect the fetus throughout pregnancy, and the vagina acts as a birth canal (involving uterine and cervix mechanisms) and facilitates copulation. Fertility can be compromised by pathologies that affect any of these organs or processes, and therefore, being able to accurately model them or restore their function is of paramount importance in applied and translational research. However, innate differences in human and animal model reproductive tracts, and the static nature of 2D cell/tissue culture techniques, necessitate continued research and development of dynamic and more complex in vitro platforms, ex vivo approaches and in vivo therapies to study and support reproductive biology. To meet this need, bioengineering is propelling the research on female reproduction into a new dimension through a wide range of potential applications and preclinical models, and the burgeoning number and variety of studies makes for a rapidly changing state of the field. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE This review aims to summarize the mounting evidence on bioengineering strategies, platforms and therapies currently available and under development in the context of female reproductive medicine, in order to further understand female reproductive biology and provide new options for fertility restoration. Specifically, techniques used in, or for, the uterus (endometrium and myometrium), ovary, fallopian tubes, cervix and vagina will be discussed. SEARCH METHODS A systematic search of full-text articles available in PubMed and Embase databases was conducted to identify relevant studies published between January 2000 and September 2021. The search terms included: bioengineering, reproduction, artificial, biomaterial, microfluidic, bioprinting, organoid, hydrogel, scaffold, uterus, endometrium, ovary, fallopian tubes, oviduct, cervix, vagina, endometriosis, adenomyosis, uterine fibroids, chlamydia, Asherman’s syndrome, intrauterine adhesions, uterine polyps, polycystic ovary syndrome and primary ovarian insufficiency. Additional studies were identified by manually searching the references of the selected articles and of complementary reviews. Eligibility criteria included original, rigorous and accessible peer-reviewed work, published in English, on female reproductive bioengineering techniques in preclinical (in vitro/in vivo/ex vivo) and/or clinical testing phases. OUTCOMES Out of the 10 390 records identified, 312 studies were included for systematic review. Owing to inconsistencies in the study measurements and designs, the findings were assessed qualitatively rather than by meta-analysis. Hydrogels and scaffolds were commonly applied in various bioengineering-related studies of the female reproductive tract. Emerging technologies, such as organoids and bioprinting, offered personalized diagnoses and alternative treatment options, respectively. Promising microfluidic systems combining various bioengineering approaches have also shown translational value. WIDER IMPLICATIONS The complexity of the molecular, endocrine and tissue-level interactions regulating female reproduction present challenges for bioengineering approaches to replace female reproductive organs. However, interdisciplinary work is providing valuable insight into the physicochemical properties necessary for reproductive biological processes to occur. Defining the landscape of reproductive bioengineering technologies currently available and under development for women can provide alternative models for toxicology/drug testing, ex vivo fertility options, clinical therapies and a basis for future organ regeneration studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mats Hellström
- Laboratory for Transplantation and Regenerative Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Lucía de Miguel-Gómez
- Department of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- Fundación IVI, IVI-RMA Global, Valencia, Spain
| | - Sonia Herraiz
- Fundación IVI, IVI-RMA Global, Valencia, Spain
- Reproductive Medicine Research Group, IIS La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | - Mats Brännström
- Laboratory for Transplantation and Regenerative Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Stockholm IVF-EUGIN, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Antonio Pellicer
- Department of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- IVI Roma Parioli, IVI-RMA Global, Rome, Italy
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