Engineering of M13 Bacteriophage for Development of Tissue Engineering Materials

Intra-abdominal transplantation of PLGA/PCL/M13 phage electrospun scaffold induces self-assembly of lymphoid tissue-like structure

Lymphoid organs are the main structural components of the immune system. In the current research, the mixture of poly lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA), polycaprolactone (PCL), and M13 phage or its RGD-modified form was used in the construction of a fibrillar scaffold using the electrospinning method. The constructs were transplanted intra-abdominally and examined for the formation of lymphoid-like tissues at different time intervals. The confocal and scanning electron microscopy demonstrate that M13 phage-containing scaffolds provide a suitable environment for lymph node-isolated fibroblasts. Morphological analysis demonstrate the formation of lymph node-like tissues in the M13 phage-containing scaffolds after transplantation. Histological analysis confirm both blood and lymph angiogenesis in the implanted construct and migration of inflammatory cells to the M13 phage-containing scaffolds. In addition, flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry analysis showed the homing and compartmentalization of dendritic cells (DCs), B and T lymphocytes within the PLGA/PCL/M13 phage-RGD based scaffolds and similar to what is seen in the mouse lymphoid tissues. It seems that the application of M13 phage could improve the generation of functional lymphoid tissues in the electrospun scaffolds and could be used for lymphoid tissue regeneration.

Engineered M13 phage as a novel therapeutic bionanomaterial for clinical applications: From tissue regeneration to cancer therapy

Bacteriophages (phages) are nanostructured viruses with highly selective antibacterial properties that have gained attention beyond eliminating bacteria. Specifically, M13 phages are filamentous phages that have recently been studied in various aspects of nanomedicine due to their biological advantages and more compliant engineering capabilities over other phages. Having nanofiber-like morphology, M13 phages can reach varied target sites and self-assemble into multidimensional scaffolds in a relatively safe and stable way. In addition, genetic modification of the coat proteins enables specific display of peptides and antibodies on the phages, allowing for precise and individualized medicine. M13 phages have also been subjected to novel engineering approaches, including phage-based bionanomaterial engineering and phage-directed nanomaterial combinations that enhance the bionanomaterial properties of M13 phages. In view of these features, researchers have been able to utilize M13 phages for therapeutic applications such as drug delivery, biodetection, tissue regeneration, and targeted cancer therapy. In particular, M13 phages have been utilized as a novel bionanomaterial for precisely mimicking natural tissue environment in order to overcome the shortage in tissue and organ donors. Hence, in this review, we address the recent studies and advances of using M13 phages in the field of nanomedicine as therapeutic agents based upon their characteristics as novel bionanomaterial with biomolecules displayed. This paper also emphasizes the novel engineering approach that enhances M13 phage's bionanomaterial capabilities. Current limitations and future approaches are also discussed to provide insight in further progress for M13 phage-based clinical applications.

Phage for regenerative medicine and cosmetics

Phage or bacteriophage is a specific virus with the ability to defeat bacteria. Because of the rising prevalence of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria, the bacteriophage is now receiving interest again, with it application in skin infection or acne treatment. Moreover, bacteriophages also express their efficacy in wound healing or skin regeneration. Thanks to the development of bioengineering technology, phage display, which is a technique using bacteriophage as a tool, has recently been applied in many biotechnological and medical fields, especially in regenerative medicines. Bacteriophages can be used as nanomaterials, delivery vectors, growth factor alternatives, or in several bacteriophage display-derived therapeutics and stem cell technology. Although bacteriophage is no doubt to be a potential and effective alternative in modern medicine, there are still controversial evidence about the antibacterial efficacy as well as the affinity to expected targets of bacteriophage. Future mission is to optimize the specificity, stability, affinity and biodistribution of phage-derived substances. In this chapter, we focused on introducing several mechanisms and applications of bacteriophage and analyzing its future potential in regenerative medicines as well as cosmetics via previous research's results.

Microorganism-derived biological macromolecules for tissue engineering

According to literature, certain microorganism productions mediate biological effects. However, their beneficial characteristics remain unclear. Nowadays, scientists concentrate on obtaining natural materials from live creatures as new sources to produce innovative smart biomaterials for increasing tissue reconstruction in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. The present review aims to introduce microorganism-derived biological macromolecules, such as pullulan, alginate, dextran, curdlan, and hyaluronic acid, and their available sources for tissue engineering. Growing evidence indicates that these materials can be used as biological material in scaffolds to enhance regeneration in damaged tissues and contribute to cosmetic and dermatological applications. These natural-based materials are attractive in pharmaceutical, regenerative medicine, and biomedical applications. This study provides a detailed overview of natural-based biomaterials, their chemical and physical properties, and new directions for future research and therapeutic applications.

Promotion of angiogenesis by M13 phage and RGD peptide in vitro and in vivo

One of the most important goals of regenerative medicines is to generate alternative tissues with a developed vascular network. Endothelial cells are the most important cell type required in angiogenesis process, contributing to the blood vessels formation. The stimulation of endothelial cells to initiate angiogenesis requires appropriate extrinsic signals. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of M13 phage along with RGD peptide motif on in vitro and in vivo vascularization. The obtained results demonstrated the increased cellular proliferation, HUVECs migration, cells altered morphology, and cells attachment to M13 phage-RGD coated surface. In addition, the expression of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A (VEGF-A), VEGF Receptors 2 and 3, Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9), and epithelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) transcripts were significantly upregulated due to the HUVECs culturing on M13 phage-RGD coated surface. Furthermore, VEGF protein secretion, nitric oxide, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production were significantly increased in cells cultured on M13 phage-RGD coated surface.