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Hartmann B, Fleischhauer L, Nicolau M, Jensen THL, Taran FA, Clausen-Schaumann H, Reuten R. Profiling native pulmonary basement membrane stiffness using atomic force microscopy. Nat Protoc 2024; 19:1498-1528. [PMID: 38429517 DOI: 10.1038/s41596-024-00955-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
Mammalian cells sense and react to the mechanics of their immediate microenvironment. Therefore, the characterization of the biomechanical properties of tissues with high spatial resolution provides valuable insights into a broad variety of developmental, homeostatic and pathological processes within living organisms. The biomechanical properties of the basement membrane (BM), an extracellular matrix (ECM) substructure measuring only ∼100-400 nm across, are, among other things, pivotal to tumor progression and metastasis formation. Although the precise assignment of the Young's modulus E of such a thin ECM substructure especially in between two cell layers is still challenging, biomechanical data of the BM can provide information of eminent diagnostic potential. Here we present a detailed protocol to quantify the elastic modulus of the BM in murine and human lung tissue, which is one of the major organs prone to metastasis. This protocol describes a streamlined workflow to determine the Young's modulus E of the BM between the endothelial and epithelial cell layers shaping the alveolar wall in lung tissues using atomic force microscopy (AFM). Our step-by-step protocol provides instructions for murine and human lung tissue extraction, inflation of these tissues with cryogenic cutting medium, freezing and cryosectioning of the tissue samples, and AFM force-map recording. In addition, it guides the reader through a semi-automatic data analysis procedure to identify the pulmonary BM and extract its Young's modulus E using an in-house tailored user-friendly AFM data analysis software, the Center for Applied Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine processing toolbox, which enables automatic loading of the recorded force maps, conversion of the force versus piezo-extension curves to force versus indentation curves, calculation of Young's moduli and generation of Young's modulus maps, where the pulmonary BM can be identified using a semi-automatic spatial filtering tool. The entire protocol takes 1-2 d.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bastian Hartmann
- Munich University of Applied Sciences, Center for Applied Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine - CANTER, Munich, Germany
- Center for Nanoscience, Munich, Germany
| | - Lutz Fleischhauer
- Munich University of Applied Sciences, Center for Applied Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine - CANTER, Munich, Germany
- Center for Nanoscience, Munich, Germany
| | - Monica Nicolau
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical Faculty, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Hartvig Lindkær Jensen
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Pathology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Florin-Andrei Taran
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Hauke Clausen-Schaumann
- Munich University of Applied Sciences, Center for Applied Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine - CANTER, Munich, Germany.
- Center for Nanoscience, Munich, Germany.
| | - Raphael Reuten
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical Faculty, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
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2
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Kopyeva I, Goldner EC, Hoye JW, Yang S, Regier MC, Vera KR, Bretherton RC, DeForest CA. Stepwise Stiffening/Softening of and Cell Recovery from Reversibly Formulated Hydrogel Double Networks. bioRxiv 2024:2024.04.04.588191. [PMID: 38645065 PMCID: PMC11030224 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.04.588191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
Biomechanical contributions of the ECM underpin cell growth and proliferation, differentiation, signal transduction, and other fate decisions. As such, biomaterials whose mechanics can be spatiotemporally altered - particularly in a reversible manner - are extremely valuable for studying these mechanobiological phenomena. Herein, we introduce a poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-based hydrogel model consisting of two interpenetrating step-growth networks that are independently formed via largely orthogonal bioorthogonal chemistries and sequentially degraded with distinct bacterial transpeptidases, affording reversibly tunable stiffness ranges that span healthy and diseased soft tissues (e.g., 500 Pa - 6 kPa) alongside terminal cell recovery for pooled and/or single-cell analysis in a near "biologically invisible" manner. Spatiotemporal control of gelation within the primary supporting network was achieved via mask-based and two-photon lithography; these stiffened patterned regions could be subsequently returned to the original soft state following sortase-based secondary network degradation. Using this approach, we investigated the effects of 4D-triggered network mechanical changes on human mesenchymal stem cell (hMSC) morphology and Hippo signaling, as well as Caco-2 colorectal cancer cell mechanomemory at the global transcriptome level via RNAseq. We expect this platform to be of broad utility for studying and directing mechanobiological phenomena, patterned cell fate, as well as disease resolution in softer matrices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina Kopyeva
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle WA 98105, USA
| | - Ethan C. Goldner
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle WA 98105, USA
| | - Jack W. Hoye
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle WA 98105, USA
| | - Shiyu Yang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle WA 98105, USA
| | - Mary C. Regier
- Institute of Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle WA 98105, USA
| | - Kaitlyn R. Vera
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle WA 98105, USA
| | - Ross C. Bretherton
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle WA 98105, USA
- Institute of Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle WA 98105, USA
| | - Cole A. DeForest
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle WA 98105, USA
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle WA 98105, USA
- Institute of Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle WA 98105, USA
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle WA 98105, USA
- Molecular Engineering & Sciences Institute, University of Washington, Seattle WA 98105, USA
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle WA 98105, USA
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3
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Carvalho EM, Ding EA, Saha A, Weldy A, Zushin PJH, Stahl A, Aghi MK, Kumar S. Viscoelastic high-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid hydrogels support rapid glioblastoma cell invasion with leader-follower dynamics. bioRxiv 2024:2024.04.04.588167. [PMID: 38617333 PMCID: PMC11014578 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.04.588167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
Hyaluronic acid (HA), the primary component of brain extracellular matrix, is increasingly used to model neuropathological processes, including glioblastoma (GBM) tumor invasion. While elastic hydrogels based on crosslinked low-molecular-weight (LMW) HA are widely exploited for this purpose and have proven valuable for discovery and screening, brain tissue is both viscoelastic and rich in high-MW (HMW) HA, and it remains unclear how these differences influence invasion. To address this question, hydrogels comprised of either HMW (1.5 MDa) or LMW (60 kDa) HA are introduced, characterized, and applied in GBM invasion studies. Unlike LMW HA hydrogels, HMW HA hydrogels relax stresses quickly, to a similar extent as brain tissue, and to a greater extent than many conventional HA-based scaffolds. GBM cells implanted within HMW HA hydrogels invade much more rapidly than in their LMW HA counterparts and exhibit distinct leader-follower dynamics. Leader cells adopt dendritic morphologies, similar to invasive GBM cells observed in vivo. Transcriptomic, pharmacologic, and imaging studies suggest that leader cells exploit hyaluronidase, an enzyme strongly enriched in human GBMs, to prime a path for followers. This study offers new insight into how HA viscoelastic properties drive invasion and argues for the use of highly stress-relaxing materials to model GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily M Carvalho
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Erika A Ding
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Atul Saha
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Anna Weldy
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Peter-James H Zushin
- Department of Nutritional Sciences and Toxicology, University of California, Berkeley 94720, USA
| | - Andreas Stahl
- Department of Nutritional Sciences and Toxicology, University of California, Berkeley 94720, USA
| | - Manish K Aghi
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Sanjay Kumar
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
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4
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Dai Y, Yuan H, Cao X, Liu Y, Xu Z, Jiang Z, White JC, Zhao J, Wang Z, Xing B. La 2O 3 Nanoparticles Can Cause Cracking of Tomato Fruit through Genetic Reconstruction. ACS Nano 2024; 18:7379-7390. [PMID: 38411928 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c09083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
La2O3 nanoparticles (NPs) have shown great potential in agriculture, but cracking of plant sensitive tissue could occur during application, resulting in a poor appearance, facilitating entry for insects and fungi, and increasing economic losses. Herein, exocarp cracking mechanisms of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) fruit in response to La2O3 NPs were investigated. Tomato plants were exposed to La2O3 NPs (0-40 mg/L, 90 days) by a split-root system under greenhouse condition. La2O3 NPs with high concentrations (25 and 40 mg/L) increased the obvious cracking of the fruit exocarp by 20.0 and 22.7%, respectively. After exposure to 25 mg/L La2O3 NPs, decreased thickness of the cuticle and cell wall and lower wax crystallization patterns of tomato fruit exocarp were observed. Biomechanical properties (e.g., firmness and stiffness) of fruit exocarp were decreased by 34.7 and 25.9%, respectively. RNA-sequencing revealed that the thinner cuticle was caused by the downregulation of cuticle biosynthesis related genes; pectin remodeling, including the reduction in homogalacturonan (e.g., LOC101264880) and rhamnose (e.g., LOC101248505), was responsible for the thinner cell wall. Additionally, genes related to water and abscisic acid homeostasis were significantly upregulated, causing the increases of water and soluble solid content of fruit and elevated fruit inner pressure. Therefore, the thinner fruit cuticle and cell wall combined with the higher inner pressure caused fruit cracking. This study improves our understanding of nanomaterials on important agricultural crops, including the structural reconstruction of fruit exocarp contributing to NPs-induced cracking at the molecular level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanhui Dai
- Institute of Coastal Environmental Pollution Control, Key Laboratory of Marine Environment and Ecology (Ministry of Education), Frontiers Science Center for Deep Ocean Multispheres and Earth System, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China
| | - Hanyu Yuan
- Institute of Coastal Environmental Pollution Control, Key Laboratory of Marine Environment and Ecology (Ministry of Education), Frontiers Science Center for Deep Ocean Multispheres and Earth System, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China
| | - Xuesong Cao
- Institute of Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, and School of Environmental and Civil Engineering, Jiangnan University, No. 1800, Lihu Avenue, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Yinglin Liu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou 215009, China
| | - Zefeng Xu
- Institute of Coastal Environmental Pollution Control, Key Laboratory of Marine Environment and Ecology (Ministry of Education), Frontiers Science Center for Deep Ocean Multispheres and Earth System, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China
| | - Zhixiang Jiang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Qingdao University, 308 Ningxia Road, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Jason C White
- The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, United States
| | - Jian Zhao
- Institute of Coastal Environmental Pollution Control, Key Laboratory of Marine Environment and Ecology (Ministry of Education), Frontiers Science Center for Deep Ocean Multispheres and Earth System, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China
| | - Zhenyu Wang
- Institute of Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, and School of Environmental and Civil Engineering, Jiangnan University, No. 1800, Lihu Avenue, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Baoshan Xing
- Stockbridge School of Agriculture, University of Massachusetts, 161 Holdsworth Way, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
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Cameron O, Neves JF, Gentleman E. Listen to Your Gut: Key Concepts for Bioengineering Advanced Models of the Intestine. Adv Sci (Weinh) 2024; 11:e2302165. [PMID: 38009508 PMCID: PMC10837392 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202302165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
The intestine performs functions central to human health by breaking down food and absorbing nutrients while maintaining a selective barrier against the intestinal microbiome. Key to this barrier function are the combined efforts of lumen-lining specialized intestinal epithelial cells, and the supportive underlying immune cell-rich stromal tissue. The discovery that the intestinal epithelium can be reproduced in vitro as intestinal organoids introduced a new way to understand intestinal development, homeostasis, and disease. However, organoids reflect the intestinal epithelium in isolation whereas the underlying tissue also contains myriad cell types and impressive chemical and structural complexity. This review dissects the cellular and matrix components of the intestine and discusses strategies to replicate them in vitro using principles drawing from bottom-up biological self-organization and top-down bioengineering. It also covers the cellular, biochemical and biophysical features of the intestinal microenvironment and how these can be replicated in vitro by combining strategies from organoid biology with materials science. Particularly accessible chemistries that mimic the native extracellular matrix are discussed, and bioengineering approaches that aim to overcome limitations in modelling the intestine are critically evaluated. Finally, the review considers how further advances may extend the applications of intestinal models and their suitability for clinical therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver Cameron
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative BiologyKing's College LondonLondonSE1 9RTUK
| | - Joana F. Neves
- Centre for Host‐Microbiome InteractionsKing's College LondonLondonSE1 9RTUK
| | - Eileen Gentleman
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative BiologyKing's College LondonLondonSE1 9RTUK
- Department of Biomedical SciencesUniversity of LausanneLausanne1005Switzerland
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6
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Penman R, Kariuki R, Shaw ZL, Dekiwadia C, Christofferson AJ, Bryant G, Vongsvivut J, Bryant SJ, Elbourne A. Gold nanoparticle adsorption alters the cell stiffness and cell wall bio-chemical landscape of Candida albicans fungal cells. J Colloid Interface Sci 2024; 654:390-404. [PMID: 37852025 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2023.10.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
HYPOTHESIS Nanomaterials have been extensively investigated for a wide range of biomedical applications, including as antimicrobial agents, drug delivery vehicles, and diagnostic devices. The commonality between these biomedical applications is the necessity for the nanoparticle to interact with or pass through the cellular wall and membrane. Cell-nanomaterial interactions/uptake can occur in various ways, including adhering to the cell wall, forming aggregates on the surface, becoming absorbed within the cell wall itself, or transversing into the cell cytoplasm. These interactions are common to mammalian cells, bacteria, and yeast cells. This variety of interactions can cause changes to the integrity of the cell wall and the cell overall, but the precise mechanisms underpinning such interactions remain poorly understood. Here, we investigate the interaction between commonly investigated gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and the cell wall/membrane of a model fungal cell to explore the general effects of interaction and uptake. EXPERIMENTS The interactions between 100 nm citrate-capped AuNPs and the cell wall of Candida albicans fungal cells were studied using a range of advanced microscopy techniques, including atomic force microscopy, confocal laser scanning microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and synchrotron-FTIR micro-spectroscopy. FINDINGS In most cases, particles adhered on the cell surface, although instances of particles being up-taken into the cell cytoplasm and localised within the cell wall and membrane were also observed. There was a measurable increase in the stiffness of the fungal cell after AuNPs were introduced. Analysis of the synchrotron-FTIR data showed significant changes in spectral features associated with phospholipids and proteins after exposure to AuNPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rowan Penman
- School of Science, STEM College, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC 3001, Australia
| | - Rashad Kariuki
- School of Science, STEM College, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC 3001, Australia
| | - Z L Shaw
- School of Engineering, STEM College, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC 3001, Australia
| | - Chaitali Dekiwadia
- RMIT Microscopy and Microanalysis Facility (RMMF), RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria 3001, Australia
| | | | - Gary Bryant
- School of Science, STEM College, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC 3001, Australia
| | - Jitraporn Vongsvivut
- Infrared Microspectroscopy (IRM) Beamline, ANSTO - Australian Synchrotron, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia
| | - Saffron J Bryant
- School of Science, STEM College, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC 3001, Australia.
| | - Aaron Elbourne
- School of Science, STEM College, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC 3001, Australia.
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7
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Wu Z, Huang D, Wang J, Zhao Y, Sun W, Shen X. Engineering Heterogeneous Tumor Models for Biomedical Applications. Adv Sci (Weinh) 2024; 11:e2304160. [PMID: 37946674 PMCID: PMC10767453 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202304160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 09/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Tumor tissue engineering holds great promise for replicating the physiological and behavioral characteristics of tumors in vitro. Advances in this field have led to new opportunities for studying the tumor microenvironment and exploring potential anti-cancer therapeutics. However, the main obstacle to the widespread adoption of tumor models is the poor understanding and insufficient reconstruction of tumor heterogeneity. In this review, the current progress of engineering heterogeneous tumor models is discussed. First, the major components of tumor heterogeneity are summarized, which encompasses various signaling pathways, cell proliferations, and spatial configurations. Then, contemporary approaches are elucidated in tumor engineering that are guided by fundamental principles of tumor biology, and the potential of a bottom-up approach in tumor engineering is highlighted. Additionally, the characterization approaches and biomedical applications of tumor models are discussed, emphasizing the significant role of engineered tumor models in scientific research and clinical trials. Lastly, the challenges of heterogeneous tumor models in promoting oncology research and tumor therapy are described and key directions for future research are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuhao Wu
- Department of Rheumatology and ImmunologyNanjing Drum Tower HospitalSchool of Biological Science and Medical EngineeringSoutheast UniversityNanjing210096China
| | - Danqing Huang
- Department of Rheumatology and ImmunologyNanjing Drum Tower HospitalSchool of Biological Science and Medical EngineeringSoutheast UniversityNanjing210096China
| | - Jinglin Wang
- Department of Rheumatology and ImmunologyNanjing Drum Tower HospitalSchool of Biological Science and Medical EngineeringSoutheast UniversityNanjing210096China
| | - Yuanjin Zhao
- Department of Rheumatology and ImmunologyNanjing Drum Tower HospitalSchool of Biological Science and Medical EngineeringSoutheast UniversityNanjing210096China
- Department of Gastrointestinal SurgeryThe First Affiliated HospitalWenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhou325035China
| | - Weijian Sun
- Department of Gastrointestinal SurgeryThe Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhou325027China
| | - Xian Shen
- Department of Rheumatology and ImmunologyNanjing Drum Tower HospitalSchool of Biological Science and Medical EngineeringSoutheast UniversityNanjing210096China
- Department of Gastrointestinal SurgeryThe First Affiliated HospitalWenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhou325035China
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8
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Horikiri M, Taniguchi M, Yoshikawa HY, Okumura R, Matsuzaki T. Mechanical Characterization of Mucus on Intestinal Tissues by Atomic Force Microscopy. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2763:403-414. [PMID: 38347430 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3670-1_35] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
Mucus is part of the innate immune system that defends the mucosa against microbiota and other infectious threats. The mechanical characteristics of mucus, such as viscosity, elasticity, and lubricity, are critically involved in its barrier function. However, assessing the mechanical properties of mucus remains challenging because of technical limitations. Thus, a new approach that characterizes the mechanical properties of mucus on colonic tissues needs to be developed. Here, we describe a novel strategy to characterize the ex vivo mechanical properties of mucus on colonic tissues using atomic force microscopy. This description includes the preparation of the mouse colon sample, AFM calibration, and determining the elasticity (Young's modulus, E [kPa]) of the mucus layer in the colon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Momoka Horikiri
- Department of Applied Physics, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Mugen Taniguchi
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Y Yoshikawa
- Department of Applied Physics, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Ryu Okumura
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan.
| | - Takahisa Matsuzaki
- Department of Applied Physics, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan.
- Center for Future Innovation, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan.
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Cha J, Ding EA, Carvalho EM, Fowler A, Aghi MK, Kumar S. Glioma Cells Secrete Collagen VI to Facilitate Invasion. bioRxiv 2023:2023.12.12.571198. [PMID: 38168332 PMCID: PMC10760023 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.12.571198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
While glioblastoma (GBM) progression is associated with extensive extracellular matrix (ECM) secretion, the causal contributions of ECM secretion to invasion remain unclear. Here we investigate these contributions by combining engineered materials, proteomics, analysis of patient data, and a model of bevacizumab-resistant GBM. We find that GBM cells cultured in engineered 3D hyaluronic acid hydrogels secrete ECM prior to invasion, particularly in the absence of exogenous ECM ligands. Proteomic measurements reveal extensive secretion of collagen VI, and collagen VI-associated transcripts are correspondingly enriched in microvascular proliferation regions of human GBMs. We further show that bevacizumab-resistant GBM cells deposit more collagen VI than their responsive counterparts, which is associated with marked cell-ECM stiffening. COL6A3 deletion in GBM cells reduces invasion, β-catenin signaling, and expression of mesenchymal markers, and these effects are amplified in hypoxia. Our studies strongly implicate GBM cell-derived collagen VI in microenvironmental remodeling to facilitate invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junghwa Cha
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Erika A Ding
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Emily M Carvalho
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Annabelle Fowler
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Manish K Aghi
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Sanjay Kumar
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences University of California San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
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10
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Xu H, Duan S, Hu Y, Ding X, Xu FJ. Rapid Regulation of Cardiomyocytes Adhesion on Substrates with Varied Modulus via Mechanical Cues. Biomacromolecules 2023; 24:5847-5858. [PMID: 37956199 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.3c00871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
In-depth understanding of the mechanisms underlying the adhesion of myocardial cells holds significant importance for the development of effective therapeutic biomaterials aimed at repairing damaged or pathological myocardial tissues. Herein, we present evidence that myocardial cells (H9C2) exhibit integrin-based mechanosensing during the initial stage of adhesion (within the first 2 h), enabling them to recognize and respond to variations in substrate stiffnesses. Moreover, the bioinformatics analysis of RNA transcriptome sequencing (RNA-seq) reveals that the gene expressions associated with initial stage focal adhesion (Ctgf, Cyr61, Amotl2, Prickle1, Serpine1, Akap12, Hbegf, and Nedd9) are up-regulated on substrates with elevated Young's modulus. The fluorescent immunostaining results also suggest that increased substrate stiffness enhances the expression of Y397-phosphorylated focal adhesion kinase (FAK Y397), talin, and vinculin and the assembly of F-actin in H9C2 cells, thereby facilitating the adhesion of myocardial cells on the substrate. Next, we utilize fluidic force microscopy (FluidFM)-based single-cell force spectroscopy (SCFS) to quantitatively evaluate the impact of substrate stiffness on the cell adhesion force and adhesion work, thus providing novel insights into the biomechanical regulation of initial cell adhesion. Our findings demonstrate that the maximum adhesion forces of myocardial cells exhibit a rise from 23.6 to 248.0 nN when exposed to substrates with different moduli. It is worth noting that once the αvβ3 integrins are blocked, the disparities in the adhesion forces of myocardial cells on these substrates become negligible. These results exhibit remarkable sensitivity of myocardial cells to mechanical cues of the substrate, highlighting the role of αvβ3 integrin as a biomechanical sensor for the regulation of cell adhesion. Overall, this work offers a prospective approach for the regulation of cell adhesion via integrin mechanosensing with potential practical applications in the areas of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haifeng Xu
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, P. R. China
| | - Shun Duan
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Key Lab of Biomedical Materials of Natural Macromolecules (Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Ministry of Education), Beijing Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, Beijing 100029, P. R. China
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, P. R. China
| | - Yang Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Key Lab of Biomedical Materials of Natural Macromolecules (Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Ministry of Education), Beijing Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, Beijing 100029, P. R. China
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, P. R. China
| | - Xiaokang Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Key Lab of Biomedical Materials of Natural Macromolecules (Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Ministry of Education), Beijing Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, Beijing 100029, P. R. China
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, P. R. China
| | - Fu-Jian Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Key Lab of Biomedical Materials of Natural Macromolecules (Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Ministry of Education), Beijing Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, Beijing 100029, P. R. China
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, P. R. China
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11
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Cho DH, Aguayo S, Cartagena-Rivera AX. Atomic force microscopy-mediated mechanobiological profiling of complex human tissues. Biomaterials 2023; 303:122389. [PMID: 37988897 PMCID: PMC10842832 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2023.122389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
Tissue mechanobiology is an emerging field with the overarching goal of understanding the interplay between biophysical and biochemical responses affecting development, physiology, and disease. Changes in mechanical properties including stiffness and viscosity have been shown to describe how cells and tissues respond to mechanical cues and modify critical biological functions. To quantitatively characterize the mechanical properties of tissues at physiologically relevant conditions, atomic force microscopy (AFM) has emerged as a highly versatile biomechanical technology. In this review, we describe the fundamental principles of AFM, typical AFM modalities used for tissue mechanics, and commonly used elastic and viscoelastic contact mechanics models to characterize complex human tissues. Furthermore, we discuss the application of AFM-based mechanobiology to characterize the mechanical responses within complex human tissues to track their developmental, physiological/functional, and diseased states, including oral, hearing, and cancer-related tissues. Finally, we discuss the current outlook and challenges to further advance the field of tissue mechanobiology. Altogether, AFM-based tissue mechanobiology provides a mechanistic understanding of biological processes governing the unique functions of tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- David H Cho
- Section on Mechanobiology, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Sebastian Aguayo
- Dentistry School, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile; Schools of Engineering, Medicine, and Biological Sciences, Institute for Biological and Medical Engineering, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Alexander X Cartagena-Rivera
- Section on Mechanobiology, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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12
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Leontev A, Rozental L, Freger V. Dynamics of underwater microparticle adhesion to soft hydrated surfaces: Modeling and analysis by time-dependent AFM force spectroscopy. J Colloid Interface Sci 2023; 651:464-476. [PMID: 37556904 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2023.07.185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 07/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
HYPOTHESIS Understanding the attachment and detachment of microparticles and living cells to surfaces is crucial for developing antifouling strategies. Hydrogel coatings have shown promise in reducing fouling and particle adhesion due to their softness and high water content, yet the mechanisms involved are dynamic and complex, and relevant parameters are not easily accessible. AFM-based force spectroscopy (FS) experiments with colloidal probe particles is a direct way of evaluating adhesive and mechanical relaxational dynamics, yet their interpretation and modeling has been challenging. The present study proposes and examines several dynamic models, suitable for quantitative analysis of FS results with model probe particle on hydrogels surfaces. EXPERIMENTS FS were performed using polyethylene glycol (PEG) hydrogels and polystyrene microspheres including particle attachement to the hydrogel surface (loading), holding the particle on the surface with a constant force for variable times (dwell) and pulling the particle away from the surface (unloading) FINDINGS: It was found that a viscoelastic extension of the classical JKR model with energy of adhesion unevenly distributed over the contact area and vanishing at its circumferences accurately described all FS experiments and yielded physically consistent viscoelastic and adhesive dynamic parameters, steadily changing with dwell time and applied force. The observed time evolution and force dependence were rationalized as combination of osmotic and osmo-mechnical relaxation in the contact region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandr Leontev
- Wolfson Department of Chemical Engineering, Technion - IIT, Haifa, Israel
| | - Lina Rozental
- Wolfson Department of Chemical Engineering, Technion - IIT, Haifa, Israel
| | - Viatcheslav Freger
- Wolfson Department of Chemical Engineering, Technion - IIT, Haifa, Israel; Grand Technion Energy Program, Technion - IIT, Haifa, Israel; Russel Berrie Nanotechnology Institute, Technion - IIT, Haifa, Israel.
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13
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Xiong Y, Hu X, Ding J, Wang X, Xue Z, Niu Y, Zhang S, Sun C, Xu W. Mechanical Properties of Low-Molecular-Weight Peptide Hydrogels Improved by Thiol-Ene Click Chemistry. Langmuir 2023; 39:16750-16759. [PMID: 37963300 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.3c01906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
Low-molecular-weight peptide hydrogels can be formed by self-assembly through weak interactions, but the application of the hydrogel is influenced by its weak mechanical properties. Therefore, it is important to construct low-molecular-weight peptide hydrogels with excellent mechanical properties. In this work, we designed the pentapeptide molecule Fmoc-FFCKK-OH (abbreviated as FFCKK) with a sulfhydryl group, and another low-molecular-weight cross-linker N,N'-methylenebis(acrylamide) (MBA) was introduced to construct a hydrogel with excellent mechanical properties. The secondary structure change process of FFCKK and the assembly mechanism of hydrogel were analyzed using theoretical calculations and experimental characterizations. The occurrence of thiol-ene click chemistry provides covalent interaction in the hydrogel, and the synergistic effect ofcovalent interaction and hydrogen bonding improves the mechanical properties of the hydrogel by nearly 10-fold. The hydrogel was observed to be able to withstand a stress of 368 Pa and to break in a layer-by-layer manner by compression testing. The micromechanics of the hydrogels were characterized, and the excellent mechanical properties of the hydrogels were confirmed. The synergistic approach provides a new idea for the preparation of low-molecular-weight peptide hydrogels and facilitates the expansion of their potential applications in biomedical fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingshuo Xiong
- School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Ludong University, Yantai 264025, China
| | - Xiaohan Hu
- School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Ludong University, Yantai 264025, China
| | - Junjie Ding
- School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Ludong University, Yantai 264025, China
| | - Xinze Wang
- School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Ludong University, Yantai 264025, China
| | - Zhongxin Xue
- School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Ludong University, Yantai 264025, China
| | - Yuzhong Niu
- School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Ludong University, Yantai 264025, China
| | - Shaohua Zhang
- School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Ludong University, Yantai 264025, China
| | - Changmei Sun
- School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Ludong University, Yantai 264025, China
| | - Wenlong Xu
- School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Ludong University, Yantai 264025, China
- Shandong Laboratory of Advanced Materials and Green Manufacturing at Yantai, Yantai 264000, China
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Wu J, Kang K, Liu S, Ma Y, Yu M, Zhao X. Recent Progress of In Vitro 3D Culture of Male Germ Stem Cells. J Funct Biomater 2023; 14:543. [PMID: 37998112 PMCID: PMC10672244 DOI: 10.3390/jfb14110543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Male germline stem cells (mGSCs), also known as spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs), are the fundamental seed cells of male animal reproductive physiology. However, environmental influences, drugs, and harmful substances often pose challenges to SSCs, such as population reduction and quality decline. With advancements in bioengineering technology and biomaterial technology, an increasing number of novel cell culture methods and techniques have been employed for studying the proliferation and differentiation of SSCs in vitro. This paper provides a review on recent progress in 3D culture techniques for SSCs in vitro; we summarize the microenvironment of SSCs and spermatocyte development, with a focus on scaffold-based culture methods and 3D printing cell culture techniques for SSCs. Additionally, decellularized testicular matrix (DTM) and other biological substrates are utilized through various combinations and approaches to construct an in vitro culture microenvironment suitable for SSC growth. Finally, we present some perspectives on current research trends and potential opportunities within three areas: the 3D printing niche environment, alternative options to DTM utilization, and advancement of the in vitro SSC culture technology system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiang Wu
- Coastal Agricultural College, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524000, China; (J.W.)
| | - Kai Kang
- Coastal Agricultural College, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524000, China; (J.W.)
| | - Siqi Liu
- Coastal Agricultural College, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524000, China; (J.W.)
| | - Yaodan Ma
- Coastal Agricultural College, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524000, China; (J.W.)
| | - Meng Yu
- State Key Laboratory for Mechanical Behavior of Materials, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China
| | - Xin Zhao
- State Key Laboratory for Mechanical Behavior of Materials, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China
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15
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Wahlsten A, Stracuzzi A, Lüchtefeld I, Restivo G, Lindenblatt N, Giampietro C, Ehret AE, Mazza E. Multiscale mechanical analysis of the elastic modulus of skin. Acta Biomater 2023; 170:155-168. [PMID: 37598792 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2023.08.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023]
Abstract
The mechanical properties of the skin determine tissue function and regulate dermal cell behavior. Yet measuring these properties remains challenging, as evidenced by the large range of elastic moduli reported in the literature-from below one kPa to hundreds of MPa. Here, we reconcile these disparate results by dedicated experiments at both tissue and cellular length scales and by computational models considering the multiscale and multiphasic tissue structure. At the macroscopic tissue length scale, the collective behavior of the collagen fiber network under tension provides functional tissue stiffness, and its properties determine the corresponding elastic modulus (100-200 kPa). The compliant microscale environment (0.1-10 kPa), probed by atomic force microscopy, arises from the ground matrix without engaging the collagen fiber network. Our analysis indicates that indentation-based elasticity measurements, although probing tissue properties at the cell-relevant length scale, do not assess the deformation mechanisms activated by dermal cells when exerting traction forces on the extracellular matrix. Using dermal-equivalent collagen hydrogels, we demonstrate that indentation measurements of tissue stiffness do not correlate with the behavior of embedded dermal fibroblasts. These results provide a deeper understanding of tissue mechanics across length scales with important implications for skin mechanobiology and tissue engineering. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Measuring the mechanical properties of the skin is essential for understanding dermal cell mechanobiology and designing tissue-engineered skin substitutes. However, previous results reported for the elastic modulus of skin vary by six orders of magnitude. We show that two distinct deformation mechanisms, related to the tension-compression nonlinearity of the collagen fiber network, can explain the large variations in elastic moduli. Furthermore, we show that microscale indentation, which is frequently used to assess the stiffness perceived by cells, fails to engage the fiber network, and therefore cannot predict the behavior of dermal fibroblasts in stiffness-tunable fibrous hydrogels. This has important implications for how to measure and interpret the mechanical properties of soft tissues across length scales.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Wahlsten
- Institute for Mechanical Systems, Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering, ETH Zurich, Leonhardstrasse 21, Zurich 8092, Switzerland
| | - Alberto Stracuzzi
- Institute for Mechanical Systems, Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering, ETH Zurich, Leonhardstrasse 21, Zurich 8092, Switzerland; Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Überlandstrasse 129, Dübendorf 8600, Switzerland
| | - Ines Lüchtefeld
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Department of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering, ETH Zurich, Gloriastrasse 35, Zurich 8092, Switzerland
| | - Gaetana Restivo
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich 8091, Switzerland
| | - Nicole Lindenblatt
- Department of Plastic and Hand Surgery, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich 8091, Switzerland
| | - Costanza Giampietro
- Institute for Mechanical Systems, Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering, ETH Zurich, Leonhardstrasse 21, Zurich 8092, Switzerland; Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Überlandstrasse 129, Dübendorf 8600, Switzerland
| | - Alexander E Ehret
- Institute for Mechanical Systems, Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering, ETH Zurich, Leonhardstrasse 21, Zurich 8092, Switzerland; Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Überlandstrasse 129, Dübendorf 8600, Switzerland
| | - Edoardo Mazza
- Institute for Mechanical Systems, Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering, ETH Zurich, Leonhardstrasse 21, Zurich 8092, Switzerland; Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Überlandstrasse 129, Dübendorf 8600, Switzerland.
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Garvin AM, Katwa LC. Primary cardiac fibroblast cell culture: methodological considerations for physiologically relevant conditions. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2023; 325:H869-H881. [PMID: 37624100 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00224.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
Primary cardiac fibroblast (CF) tissue culture is a necessary tool for interrogating specific signaling mechanisms that dictate the phenotypic heterogeneity observed in vivo in different disease states. Traditional approaches that use tissue culture plastic and nutrient-rich medium have been shown to induce CF activation and, therefore, alter CF subpopulation composition. This shift away from in vivo phenotypes complicate the interpretation of results through the lens of the animal model. As the field works to identify CF diversity, these methodological flaws have begun to be addressed and more studies are focused on the dynamic interaction of CFs with their environment. This review focuses on the aspects of tissue culture that impact CF activation and, therefore, require consideration when designing in vitro experiments. The complexity of CF biology overlaid onto diverse model systems highlight the need for study-specific optimization and validation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra M Garvin
- Department of Physiology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, United States
| | - Laxmansa C Katwa
- Department of Physiology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, United States
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17
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Koch SM, Goldhahn C, Müller FJ, Yan W, Pilz-Allen C, Bidan CM, Ciabattoni B, Stricker L, Fratzl P, Keplinger T, Burgert I. Anisotropic wood-hydrogel composites: Extending mechanical properties of wood towards soft materials' applications. Mater Today Bio 2023; 22:100772. [PMID: 37674781 PMCID: PMC10477686 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2023.100772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Delignified wood (DW) offers a versatile platform for the manufacturing of composites, with material properties ranging from stiff to soft and flexible by preserving the preferential fiber directionality of natural wood through a structure-retaining production process. This study presents a facile method for fabricating anisotropic and mechanically tunable DW-hydrogel composites. These composites were produced by infiltrating delignified spruce wood with an aqueous gelatin solution followed by chemical crosslinking. The mechanical properties could be modulated across a broad strength and stiffness range (1.2-18.3 MPa and 170-1455 MPa, respectively) by varying the crosslinking time. The diffusion-led crosslinking further allowed to manufacture mechanically graded structures. The resulting uniaxial, tubular structure of the anisotropic DW-hydrogel composite enabled the alignment of murine fibroblasts in vitro, which could be utilized in future studies on potential applications in tissue engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Marie Koch
- Wood Materials Science, Institute for Building Materials, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
- WoodTec Group, Cellulose & Wood Materials, Empa, 8600 Duebendorf, Switzerland
| | - Christian Goldhahn
- Wood Materials Science, Institute for Building Materials, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Florence J. Müller
- Soft Materials Group, Department of Materials, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Wenqing Yan
- Wood Materials Science, Institute for Building Materials, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
- WoodTec Group, Cellulose & Wood Materials, Empa, 8600 Duebendorf, Switzerland
| | - Christine Pilz-Allen
- Department of Biomaterials, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, 14476 Potsdam, Germany
| | - Cécile M. Bidan
- Department of Biomaterials, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, 14476 Potsdam, Germany
| | - Beatrice Ciabattoni
- Wood Materials Science, Institute for Building Materials, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Laura Stricker
- Wood Materials Science, Institute for Building Materials, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Peter Fratzl
- Department of Biomaterials, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, 14476 Potsdam, Germany
| | - Tobias Keplinger
- Wood Materials Science, Institute for Building Materials, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ingo Burgert
- Wood Materials Science, Institute for Building Materials, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
- WoodTec Group, Cellulose & Wood Materials, Empa, 8600 Duebendorf, Switzerland
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18
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Luo P, Huang R, Wu Y, Liu X, Shan Z, Gong L, Deng S, Liu H, Fang J, Wu S, Wu X, Liu Q, Chen Z, Yeung KW, Qiao W, Chen S, Chen Z. Tailoring the multiscale mechanics of tunable decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM) for wound healing through immunomodulation. Bioact Mater 2023; 28:95-111. [PMID: 37250862 PMCID: PMC10209339 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2023.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
With the discovery of the pivotal role of macrophages in tissue regeneration through shaping the tissue immune microenvironment, various immunomodulatory strategies have been proposed to modify traditional biomaterials. Decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM) has been extensively used in the clinical treatment of tissue injury due to its favorable biocompatibility and similarity to the native tissue environment. However, most reported decellularization protocols may cause damage to the native structure of dECM, which undermines its inherent advantages and potential clinical applications. Here, we introduce a mechanically tunable dECM prepared by optimizing the freeze-thaw cycles. We demonstrated that the alteration in micromechanical properties of dECM resulting from the cyclic freeze-thaw process contributes to distinct macrophage-mediated host immune responses to the materials, which are recently recognized to play a pivotal role in determining the outcome of tissue regeneration. Our sequencing data further revealed that the immunomodulatory effect of dECM was induced via the mechnotrasduction pathways in macrophages. Next, we tested the dECM in a rat skin injury model and found an enhanced micromechanical property of dECM achieved with three freeze-thaw cycles significantly promoted the M2 polarization of macrophages, leading to superior wound healing. These findings suggest that the immunomodulatory property of dECM can be efficiently manipulated by tailoring its inherent micromechanical properties during the decellularization process. Therefore, our mechanics-immunomodulation-based strategy provides new insights into the development of advanced biomaterials for wound healing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pu Luo
- Hospital of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guangdong Research Center for Dental and Cranial Rehabilitation and Material Engineering, Guangzhou, 510055, China
| | - Ruoxuan Huang
- Hospital of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guangdong Research Center for Dental and Cranial Rehabilitation and Material Engineering, Guangzhou, 510055, China
| | - You Wu
- Hospital of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guangdong Research Center for Dental and Cranial Rehabilitation and Material Engineering, Guangzhou, 510055, China
| | - Xingchen Liu
- Hospital of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guangdong Research Center for Dental and Cranial Rehabilitation and Material Engineering, Guangzhou, 510055, China
| | - Zhengjie Shan
- Hospital of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guangdong Research Center for Dental and Cranial Rehabilitation and Material Engineering, Guangzhou, 510055, China
| | - Li Gong
- Instrumental Analysis Research Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China
| | - Shudan Deng
- Hospital of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guangdong Research Center for Dental and Cranial Rehabilitation and Material Engineering, Guangzhou, 510055, China
| | - Haiwen Liu
- Hospital of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guangdong Research Center for Dental and Cranial Rehabilitation and Material Engineering, Guangzhou, 510055, China
| | - Jinghan Fang
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Innovative Technology in Orthopaedic Trauma, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, 518058, China
| | - Shiyu Wu
- Hospital of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guangdong Research Center for Dental and Cranial Rehabilitation and Material Engineering, Guangzhou, 510055, China
| | - Xiayi Wu
- Hospital of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guangdong Research Center for Dental and Cranial Rehabilitation and Material Engineering, Guangzhou, 510055, China
| | - Quan Liu
- Hospital of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guangdong Research Center for Dental and Cranial Rehabilitation and Material Engineering, Guangzhou, 510055, China
| | - Zetao Chen
- Hospital of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guangdong Research Center for Dental and Cranial Rehabilitation and Material Engineering, Guangzhou, 510055, China
| | - Kelvin W.K. Yeung
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Innovative Technology in Orthopaedic Trauma, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, 518058, China
| | - Wei Qiao
- Applied Oral Sciences and Community Dental Care, Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Shoucheng Chen
- Hospital of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guangdong Research Center for Dental and Cranial Rehabilitation and Material Engineering, Guangzhou, 510055, China
| | - Zhuofan Chen
- Hospital of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guangdong Research Center for Dental and Cranial Rehabilitation and Material Engineering, Guangzhou, 510055, China
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Wang H, Xia Y, Zhang Z, Xie Z. 3D gradient printing based on digital light processing. J Mater Chem B 2023; 11:8883-8896. [PMID: 37694441 DOI: 10.1039/d3tb00763d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
3D gradient printing is a type of fabrication technique that builds three-dimensional objects with gradually changing properties. Gradient digital light processing based 3D printing has garnered considerable attention in recent years. This function-oriented technology precisely manipulates the performance of different positions of materials and prints them as a monolithic structure to realize specific functions. This review presents a conceptual understanding of gradient properties, covering an overview of current techniques and materials that can produce gradient structures, as well as their limitations and challenges. The principle of digital light processing (DLP) technology and feasible strategies for 3D gradient printing to overcome any barriers are also presented. Additionally, this review discusses the promising future of 4D bioprinting systems based on DLP printing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Wang
- Chien-Shiung Wu College, Southeast University, Nanjing, 211102, China
- School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China.
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Biomedical Engineering Education, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
| | - Yu Xia
- Chien-Shiung Wu College, Southeast University, Nanjing, 211102, China
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Biomedical Engineering Education, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
- School of Life Science and Technology, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
| | - Zixuan Zhang
- School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China.
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Biomedical Engineering Education, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
| | - Zhuoying Xie
- School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China.
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Biomedical Engineering Education, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
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20
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Zhu Y, Zhang M, Sun Q, Wang X, Li X, Li Q. Advanced Mechanical Testing Technologies at the Cellular Level: The Mechanisms and Application in Tissue Engineering. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:3255. [PMID: 37571149 PMCID: PMC10422338 DOI: 10.3390/polym15153255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Mechanics, as a key physical factor which affects cell function and tissue regeneration, is attracting the attention of researchers in the fields of biomaterials, biomechanics, and tissue engineering. The macroscopic mechanical properties of tissue engineering scaffolds have been studied and optimized based on different applications. However, the mechanical properties of the overall scaffold materials are not enough to reveal the mechanical mechanism of the cell-matrix interaction. Hence, the mechanical detection of cell mechanics and cellular-scale microenvironments has become crucial for unraveling the mechanisms which underly cell activities and which are affected by physical factors. This review mainly focuses on the advanced technologies and applications of cell-scale mechanical detection. It summarizes the techniques used in micromechanical performance analysis, including atomic force microscope (AFM), optical tweezer (OT), magnetic tweezer (MT), and traction force microscope (TFM), and analyzes their testing mechanisms. In addition, the application of mechanical testing techniques to cell mechanics and tissue engineering scaffolds, such as hydrogels and porous scaffolds, is summarized and discussed. Finally, it highlights the challenges and prospects of this field. This review is believed to provide valuable insights into micromechanics in tissue engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingxuan Zhu
- School of Mechanics and Safety Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
- National Center for International Joint Research of Micro-nano Moulding Technology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Mengqi Zhang
- School of Mechanics and Safety Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
- National Center for International Joint Research of Micro-nano Moulding Technology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Qingqing Sun
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Xiaofeng Wang
- School of Mechanics and Safety Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
- National Center for International Joint Research of Micro-nano Moulding Technology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Xiaomeng Li
- School of Mechanics and Safety Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
- National Center for International Joint Research of Micro-nano Moulding Technology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Qian Li
- School of Mechanics and Safety Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
- National Center for International Joint Research of Micro-nano Moulding Technology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
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21
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Zhou Y, Pereira G, Tang Y, James M, Zhang M. 3D Porous Scaffold-Based High-Throughput Platform for Cancer Drug Screening. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:1691. [PMID: 37376138 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15061691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural polymer-based porous scaffolds have been investigated to serve as three-dimensional (3D) tumor models for drug screening owing to their structural properties with better resemblance to human tumor microenvironments than two-dimensional (2D) cell cultures. In this study, a 3D chitosan-hyaluronic acid (CHA) composite porous scaffold with tunable pore size (60, 120 and 180 µm) was produced by freeze-drying and fabricated into a 96-array platform for high-throughput screening (HTS) of cancer therapeutics. We adopted a self-designed rapid dispensing system to handle the highly viscous CHA polymer mixture and achieved a fast and cost-effective large-batch production of the 3D HTS platform. In addition, the adjustable pore size of the scaffold can accommodate cancer cells from different sources to better mimic the in vivo malignancy. Three human glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) cell lines were tested on the scaffolds to reveal the influence of pore size on cell growth kinetics, tumor spheroid morphology, gene expression and dose-dependent drug response. Our results showed that the three GBM cell lines showed different trends of drug resistance on CHA scaffolds of varying pore size, which reflects the intertumoral heterogeneity across patients in clinical practice. Our results also demonstrated the necessity to have a tunable 3D porous scaffold for adapting the heterogeneous tumor to generate the optimal HTS outcomes. It was also found that CHA scaffolds can produce a uniform cellular response (CV < 0.15) and a wide drug screening window (Z' > 0.5) on par with commercialized tissue culture plates, and therefore, can serve as a qualified HTS platform. This CHA scaffold-based HTS platform may provide an improved alternative to traditional 2D-cell-based HTS for future cancer study and novel drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Zhou
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Gillian Pereira
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Yuanzhang Tang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Matthew James
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Miqin Zhang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
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22
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Hagelaars MJ, Rijns L, Dankers PYW, Loerakker S, Bouten CVC. Engineering Strategies to Move from Understanding to Steering Renal Tubulogenesis. Tissue Eng Part B Rev 2023; 29:203-216. [PMID: 36173101 DOI: 10.1089/ten.teb.2022.0120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Rebuilding the kidney in the context of tissue engineering offers a major challenge as the organ is structurally complex and has a high variety of specific functions. Recreation of kidney function is inherently connected to the formation of tubules since the functional subunit of the kidney, the nephron, is based on tubular structures. In vivo, tubulogenesis culminates in a perfectly shaped, patterned, and functional renal tubule via different morphogenic processes that depend on delicately orchestrated chemical, physical, and mechanical interactions between cells and between cells and their microenvironment. This review summarizes the current understanding of the role of the microenvironment in the morphogenic processes involved in in vivo renal tubulogenesis. We highlight the current state-of-the-art of renal tubular engineering and provide a view on the design elements that can be extracted from these studies. Next, we discuss how computational modeling can aid in specifying and identifying design parameters and provide directions on how these design parameters can be incorporated in biomaterials for the purpose of engineering renal tubulogenesis. Finally, we propose that a step-by-step reciprocal interaction between understanding and engineering is necessary to effectively guide renal tubulogenesis. Impact statement Tubular tissue engineering lies at the foundation of regenerating kidney tissue function, as the functional subunit of the kidney, the nephron, is based on tubular structures. Guiding renal tubulogenesis toward functional renal tubules requires in-depth knowledge of the developmental processes that lead to the formation of native tubules as well as engineering approaches to steer these processes. In this study, we review the role of the microenvironment in the developmental processes that lead to functional renal tubules and give directions how this knowledge can be harnessed for biomaterial-based tubular engineering using computational models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria J Hagelaars
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems (ICMS), Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Laura Rijns
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems (ICMS), Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Patricia Y W Dankers
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems (ICMS), Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Sandra Loerakker
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems (ICMS), Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Carlijn V C Bouten
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems (ICMS), Eindhoven, The Netherlands
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23
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Khandagale P, Breitzman T, Majidi C, Dayal K. Statistical field theory for nonlinear elasticity of polymer networks with excluded volume interactions. Phys Rev E 2023; 107:064501. [PMID: 37464704 DOI: 10.1103/physreve.107.064501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
Polymer networks formed by cross linking flexible polymer chains are ubiquitous in many natural and synthetic soft-matter systems. Current micromechanics models generally do not account for excluded volume interactions except, for instance, through imposing a phenomenological incompressibility constraint at the continuum scale. This work aims to examine the role of excluded volume interactions on the mechanical response. The approach is based on the framework of the self-consistent statistical field theory of polymers, which provides an efficient mesoscale approach that enables the accounting of excluded volume effects without the expense of large-scale molecular modeling. A mesoscale representative volume element is populated with multiple interacting chains, and the macroscale nonlinear elastic deformation is imposed by mapping the end-to-end vectors of the chains by this deformation. In the absence of excluded volume interactions, it recovers the closed-form results of the classical theory of rubber elasticity. With excluded volume interactions, the model is solved numerically in three dimensions using a finite element method to obtain the energy, stresses, and linearized moduli under imposed macroscale deformation. Highlights of the numerical study include: (i) the linearized Poisson's ratio is very close to the incompressible limit without a phenomenological imposition of incompressibility; (ii) despite the harmonic Gaussian chain as a starting point, there is an emergent strain-softening and strain-stiffening response that is characteristic of real polymer networks, driven by the interplay between the entropy and the excluded volume interactions; and (iii) the emergence of a deformation-sensitive localization instability at large excluded volumes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pratik Khandagale
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, USA
| | - Timothy Breitzman
- Air Force Research Laboratory, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio 45433, USA
| | - Carmel Majidi
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, USA
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, USA
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, USA
| | - Kaushik Dayal
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, USA
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, USA
- Center for Nonlinear Analysis, Department of Mathematical Sciences, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, USA
- Pittsburgh Quantum Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, USA
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24
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Hakim Khalili M, Panchal V, Dulebo A, Hawi S, Zhang R, Wilson S, Dossi E, Goel S, Impey SA, Aria AI. Mechanical Behavior of 3D Printed Poly(ethylene glycol) Diacrylate Hydrogels in Hydrated Conditions Investigated Using Atomic Force Microscopy. ACS Appl Polym Mater 2023; 5:3034-3042. [PMID: 37090424 PMCID: PMC10111335 DOI: 10.1021/acsapm.3c00197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) printed hydrogels fabricated using light processing techniques are poised to replace conventional processing methods used in tissue engineering and organ-on-chip devices. An intrinsic potential problem remains related to structural heterogeneity translated in the degree of cross-linking of the printed layers. Poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) hydrogels were used to fabricate both 3D printed multilayer and control monolithic samples, which were then analyzed using atomic force microscopy (AFM) to assess their nanomechanical properties. The fabrication of the hydrogel samples involved layer-by-layer (LbL) projection lithography and bulk cross-linking processes. We evaluated the nanomechanical properties of both hydrogel types in a hydrated environment using the elastic modulus (E) as a measure to gain insight into their mechanical properties. We observed that E increases by 4-fold from 2.8 to 11.9 kPa transitioning from bottom to the top of a single printed layer in a multilayer sample. Such variations could not be seen in control monolithic sample. The variation within the printed layers is ascribed to heterogeneities caused by the photo-cross-linking process. This behavior was rationalized by spatial variation of the polymer cross-link density related to variations of light absorption within the layers attributed to spatial decay of light intensity during the photo-cross-linking process. More importantly, we observed a significant 44% increase in E, from 9.1 to 13.1 kPa, as the indentation advanced from the bottom to the top of the multilayer sample. This finding implies that mechanical heterogeneity is present throughout the entire structure, rather than being limited to each layer individually. These findings are critical for design, fabrication, and application engineers intending to use 3D printed multilayer PEGDA hydrogels for in vitro tissue engineering and organ-on-chip devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Hakim Khalili
- Surface
Engineering and Precision Centre, School of Aerospace, Transport and
Manufacturing, Cranfield University, Cranfield MK43 0AL, United Kingdom
| | - Vishal Panchal
- Bruker
UK Ltd., Banner Lane, Coventry CV4 9GH, United Kingdom
| | | | - Sara Hawi
- Surface
Engineering and Precision Centre, School of Aerospace, Transport and
Manufacturing, Cranfield University, Cranfield MK43 0AL, United Kingdom
| | - Rujing Zhang
- Sophion
Bioscience A/S, Baltorpvej 154, 2750 Ballerup, Denmark
| | - Sandra Wilson
- Sophion
Bioscience A/S, Baltorpvej 154, 2750 Ballerup, Denmark
| | - Eleftheria Dossi
- Centre
for Defence Chemistry, Cranfield University, Shrivenham, Swindon SN6
8LA, United Kingdom
| | - Saurav Goel
- London
South Bank University, 103 Borough Road, London SE1 0AA, United Kingdom
- University
of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Dehradun 248007, India
| | - Susan A. Impey
- Surface
Engineering and Precision Centre, School of Aerospace, Transport and
Manufacturing, Cranfield University, Cranfield MK43 0AL, United Kingdom
| | - Adrianus Indrat Aria
- Surface
Engineering and Precision Centre, School of Aerospace, Transport and
Manufacturing, Cranfield University, Cranfield MK43 0AL, United Kingdom
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25
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Mao M, Qu X, Zhang Y, Gu B, Li C, Liu R, Li X, Zhu H, He J, Li D. Leaf-venation-directed cellular alignment for macroscale cardiac constructs with tissue-like functionalities. Nat Commun 2023; 14:2077. [PMID: 37045852 PMCID: PMC10097867 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-37716-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Recapitulating the complex structural, mechanical, and electrophysiological properties of native myocardium is crucial to engineering functional cardiac tissues. Here, we report a leaf-venation-directed strategy that enables the compaction and remodeling of cell-hydrogel hybrids into highly aligned and densely packed organizations in predetermined patterns. This strategy contributes to interconnected tubular structures with cell alignment along the hierarchical channels. Compared to randomly-distributed cells, the engineered leaf-venation-directed-cardiac tissues from neonatal rat cardiomyocytes manifest advanced maturation and functionality as evidenced by detectable electrophysiological activity, macroscopically synchronous contractions, and upregulated maturation genes. As a demonstration, human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived leaf-venation-directed-cardiac tissues are engineered with evident structural and functional improvement over time. With the elastic scaffolds, leaf-venation-directed tissues are assembled into 3D centimeter-scale cardiac constructs with programmed mechanical properties, which can be delivered through tubing without affecting cell viability. The present strategy may generate cardiac constructs with multifaceted functionalities to meet clinical demands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mao Mao
- State Key Laboratory for Manufacturing Systems Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, PR China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Additive Manufacturing Medical Devices, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, PR China
| | - Xiaoli Qu
- State Key Laboratory for Manufacturing Systems Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, PR China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Additive Manufacturing Medical Devices, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, PR China
| | - Yabo Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Manufacturing Systems Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, PR China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Additive Manufacturing Medical Devices, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, PR China
| | - Bingsong Gu
- State Key Laboratory for Manufacturing Systems Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, PR China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Additive Manufacturing Medical Devices, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, PR China
| | - Chen Li
- State Key Laboratory for Manufacturing Systems Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, PR China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Additive Manufacturing Medical Devices, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, PR China
| | - Rongzhi Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Manufacturing Systems Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, PR China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Additive Manufacturing Medical Devices, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, PR China
| | - Xiao Li
- State Key Laboratory for Manufacturing Systems Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, PR China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Additive Manufacturing Medical Devices, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, PR China
| | - Hui Zhu
- State Key Laboratory for Manufacturing Systems Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, PR China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Additive Manufacturing Medical Devices, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, PR China
| | - Jiankang He
- State Key Laboratory for Manufacturing Systems Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, PR China.
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Additive Manufacturing Medical Devices, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, PR China.
| | - Dichen Li
- State Key Laboratory for Manufacturing Systems Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, PR China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Additive Manufacturing Medical Devices, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, PR China
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26
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Jones CL, Penney BT, Theodossiou SK. Engineering Cell-ECM-Material Interactions for Musculoskeletal Regeneration. Bioengineering (Basel) 2023; 10:bioengineering10040453. [PMID: 37106640 PMCID: PMC10135874 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering10040453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The extracellular microenvironment regulates many of the mechanical and biochemical cues that direct musculoskeletal development and are involved in musculoskeletal disease. The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a main component of this microenvironment. Tissue engineered approaches towards regenerating muscle, cartilage, tendon, and bone target the ECM because it supplies critical signals for regenerating musculoskeletal tissues. Engineered ECM-material scaffolds that mimic key mechanical and biochemical components of the ECM are of particular interest in musculoskeletal tissue engineering. Such materials are biocompatible, can be fabricated to have desirable mechanical and biochemical properties, and can be further chemically or genetically modified to support cell differentiation or halt degenerative disease progression. In this review, we survey how engineered approaches using natural and ECM-derived materials and scaffold systems can harness the unique characteristics of the ECM to support musculoskeletal tissue regeneration, with a focus on skeletal muscle, cartilage, tendon, and bone. We summarize the strengths of current approaches and look towards a future of materials and culture systems with engineered and highly tailored cell-ECM-material interactions to drive musculoskeletal tissue restoration. The works highlighted in this review strongly support the continued exploration of ECM and other engineered materials as tools to control cell fate and make large-scale musculoskeletal regeneration a reality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Calvin L Jones
- Department of Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering, Boise State University, 1910 University Dr MS2085, Boise, ID 83725, USA
| | - Brian T Penney
- Department of Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering, Boise State University, 1910 University Dr MS2085, Boise, ID 83725, USA
| | - Sophia K Theodossiou
- Department of Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering, Boise State University, 1910 University Dr MS2085, Boise, ID 83725, USA
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27
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Hussien AA, Niederoest B, Bollhalder M, Goedecke N, Snedeker JG. The Stiffness-Sensitive Transcriptome of Human Tendon Stromal Cells. Adv Healthc Mater 2023; 12:e2101216. [PMID: 36509005 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202101216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Revised: 11/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Extracellular matrix stiffness is a major regulator of cellular states. Stiffness-sensing investigations are typically performed using cells that have acquired "mechanical memory" through prolonged conditioning in rigid environments, e.g., tissue culture plastic (TCP). This potentially masks the full extent of the matrix stiffness-driven mechanosensing programs. Here, a biomaterial composed of 2D mechanovariant silicone substrates with simplified and scalable surface biofunctionalization chemistry is developed to facilitate large-scale cell culture expansion processes. Using RNA sequencing, stiffness-mediated mechano-responses of human tendon-derived stromal cells are broadly mapped. Matrix elasticity (E.) approximating tendon microscale stiffness range (E. ≈ 35 kPa) distinctly favors transcriptional programs related to chromatin remodeling and Hippo signaling; whereas compliant stiffnesses (E. ≈ 2 kPa) are enriched in processes related to cell stemness, synapse assembly, and angiogenesis. While tendon stromal cells undergo dramatic phenotypic drift on conventional TCP, mechanovariant substrates abrogate this activation with tenogenic stiffnesses inducing a transcriptional program that strongly correlates with established tendon tissue-specific expression signature. Computational inference predicts that AKT1 and ERK1/2 are major stiffness-sensing signaling hubs. Together, these findings highlight how matrix biophysical cues may dictate the transcriptional identity of tendon cells, and how matrix mechano-reciprocity regulates diverse sets of previously underappreciated mechanosensitive processes in tendon fibroblasts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amro A Hussien
- Institute for Biomechanics, ETH Zurich, Zurich, 8092, Switzerland.,Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, 8008, Switzerland
| | - Barbara Niederoest
- Institute for Biomechanics, ETH Zurich, Zurich, 8092, Switzerland.,Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, 8008, Switzerland
| | - Maja Bollhalder
- Institute for Biomechanics, ETH Zurich, Zurich, 8092, Switzerland.,Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, 8008, Switzerland
| | - Nils Goedecke
- Institute for Biomechanics, ETH Zurich, Zurich, 8092, Switzerland.,Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, 8008, Switzerland
| | - Jess G Snedeker
- Institute for Biomechanics, ETH Zurich, Zurich, 8092, Switzerland.,Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, 8008, Switzerland
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28
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Khalili M, Williams CJ, Micallef C, Duarte-Martinez F, Afsar A, Zhang R, Wilson S, Dossi E, Impey SA, Goel S, Aria AI. Nanoindentation Response of 3D Printed PEGDA Hydrogels in a Hydrated Environment. ACS Appl Polym Mater 2023; 5:1180-1190. [PMID: 36817334 PMCID: PMC9926483 DOI: 10.1021/acsapm.2c01700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Hydrogels are commonly used materials in tissue engineering and organ-on-chip devices. This study investigated the nanomechanical properties of monolithic and multilayered poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) hydrogels manufactured using bulk polymerization and layer-by-layer projection lithography processes, respectively. An increase in the number of layers (or reduction in layer thickness) from 1 to 8 and further to 60 results in a reduction in the elastic modulus from 5.53 to 1.69 and further to 0.67 MPa, respectively. It was found that a decrease in the number of layers induces a lower creep index (CIT) in three-dimensional (3D) printed PEGDA hydrogels. This reduction is attributed to mesoscale imperfections that appear as pockets of voids at the interfaces of the multilayered hydrogels attributed to localized regions of unreacted prepolymers, resulting in variations in defect density in the samples examined. An increase in the degree of cross-linking introduced by a higher dosage of ultraviolet (UV) exposure leads to a higher elastic modulus. This implies that the elastic modulus and creep behavior of hydrogels are governed and influenced by the degree of cross-linking and defect density of the layers and interfaces. These findings can guide an optimal manufacturing pathway to obtain the desirable nanomechanical properties in 3D printed PEGDA hydrogels, critical for the performance of living cells and tissues, which can be engineered through control of the fabrication parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad
Hakim Khalili
- Surface
Engineering and Precision Centre, School of Aerospace, Transport and
Manufacturing, Cranfield University, Cranfield MK43 0AL, U.K.
| | - Craig J. Williams
- The
Henry Royce Institute, Department of Materials, The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, U.K.
| | - Christian Micallef
- Surface
Engineering and Precision Centre, School of Aerospace, Transport and
Manufacturing, Cranfield University, Cranfield MK43 0AL, U.K.
| | - Fabian Duarte-Martinez
- Surface
Engineering and Precision Centre, School of Aerospace, Transport and
Manufacturing, Cranfield University, Cranfield MK43 0AL, U.K.
| | - Ashfaq Afsar
- School
of Chemistry, University of Edinburgh, David Brewster Road, Edinburgh EH9 3FJ, U.K.
- Centre
for Defence Chemistry, Cranfield University, Shrivenham, Swindon SN6 8LA, U.K.
| | - Rujing Zhang
- Sophion
Bioscience A/S, Baltorpvej 154, 2750 Ballerup, Denmark
| | - Sandra Wilson
- Sophion
Bioscience A/S, Baltorpvej 154, 2750 Ballerup, Denmark
| | - Eleftheria Dossi
- Centre
for Defence Chemistry, Cranfield University, Shrivenham, Swindon SN6 8LA, U.K.
| | - Susan A. Impey
- Surface
Engineering and Precision Centre, School of Aerospace, Transport and
Manufacturing, Cranfield University, Cranfield MK43 0AL, U.K.
| | - Saurav Goel
- London South
Bank University, 103
Borough Road, London SE1
0AA, U.K.
- University
of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Dehradun 248007, India
| | - Adrianus Indrat Aria
- Surface
Engineering and Precision Centre, School of Aerospace, Transport and
Manufacturing, Cranfield University, Cranfield MK43 0AL, U.K.
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29
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Blackford SJI, Yu TTL, Norman MDA, Syanda AM, Manolakakis M, Lachowski D, Yan Z, Guo Y, Garitta E, Riccio F, Jowett GM, Ng SS, Vernia S, Del Río Hernández AE, Gentleman E, Rashid ST. RGD density along with substrate stiffness regulate hPSC hepatocyte functionality through YAP signalling. Biomaterials 2023; 293:121982. [PMID: 36640555 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2022.121982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Human pluripotent stem cell-derived hepatocytes (hPSC-Heps) may be suitable for treating liver diseases, but differentiation protocols often fail to yield adult-like cells. We hypothesised that replicating healthy liver niche biochemical and biophysical cues would produce hepatocytes with desired metabolic functionality. Using 2D synthetic hydrogels which independently control mechanical properties and biochemical cues, we found that culturing hPSC-Heps on surfaces matching the stiffness of fibrotic liver tissue upregulated expression of genes for RGD-binding integrins, and increased expression of YAP/TAZ and their transcriptional targets. Alternatively, culture on soft, healthy liver-like substrates drove increases in cytochrome p450 activity and ureagenesis. Knockdown of ITGB1 or reducing RGD-motif-containing peptide concentration in stiff hydrogels reduced YAP activity and improved metabolic functionality; however, on soft substrates, reducing RGD concentration had the opposite effect. Furthermore, targeting YAP activity with verteporfin or forskolin increased cytochrome p450 activity, with forskolin dramatically enhancing urea synthesis. hPSC-Heps could also be successfully encapsulated within RGD peptide-containing hydrogels without negatively impacting hepatic functionality, and compared to 2D cultures, 3D cultured hPSC-Heps secreted significantly less fetal liver-associated alpha-fetoprotein, suggesting furthered differentiation. Our platform overcomes technical hurdles in replicating the liver niche, and allowed us to identify a role for YAP/TAZ-mediated mechanosensing in hPSC-Hep differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel J I Blackford
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, UK; Centre for Craniofacial & Regenerative Biology, King's College London, UK; Centre for Gene Therapy & Regenerative Medicine, King's College London, UK; NIHR Imperial BRC iPSC and Organoid Core Facility, Imperial College London, UK.
| | - Tracy T L Yu
- Centre for Craniofacial & Regenerative Biology, King's College London, UK
| | - Michael D A Norman
- Centre for Craniofacial & Regenerative Biology, King's College London, UK
| | - Adam M Syanda
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, UK; NIHR Imperial BRC iPSC and Organoid Core Facility, Imperial College London, UK
| | - Michail Manolakakis
- MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences, UK; Institute of Clinical Sciences, Imperial College London, UK
| | - Dariusz Lachowski
- Cellular and Molecular Biomechanics Laboratory, Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, UK
| | - Ziqian Yan
- Centre for Craniofacial & Regenerative Biology, King's College London, UK
| | - Yunzhe Guo
- Centre for Craniofacial & Regenerative Biology, King's College London, UK
| | - Elena Garitta
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, UK; NIHR Imperial BRC iPSC and Organoid Core Facility, Imperial College London, UK
| | - Federica Riccio
- Centre for Gene Therapy & Regenerative Medicine, King's College London, UK
| | - Geraldine M Jowett
- Centre for Craniofacial & Regenerative Biology, King's College London, UK; Centre for Gene Therapy & Regenerative Medicine, King's College London, UK
| | - Soon Seng Ng
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, UK; NIHR Imperial BRC iPSC and Organoid Core Facility, Imperial College London, UK
| | - Santiago Vernia
- MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences, UK; Institute of Clinical Sciences, Imperial College London, UK
| | | | - Eileen Gentleman
- Centre for Craniofacial & Regenerative Biology, King's College London, UK.
| | - S Tamir Rashid
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, UK; NIHR Imperial BRC iPSC and Organoid Core Facility, Imperial College London, UK.
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Guo T, Wantono C, Tan Y, Deng F, Duan T, Liu D. Regulators, functions, and mechanotransduction pathways of matrix stiffness in hepatic disease. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1098129. [PMID: 36711017 PMCID: PMC9878334 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1098129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) provides physical support and imparts significant biochemical and mechanical cues to cells. Matrix stiffening is a hallmark of liver fibrosis and is associated with many hepatic diseases, especially liver cirrhosis and carcinoma. Increased matrix stiffness is not only a consequence of liver fibrosis but is also recognized as an active driver in the progression of fibrotic hepatic disease. In this article, we provide a comprehensive view of the role of matrix stiffness in the pathological progression of hepatic disease. The regulators that modulate matrix stiffness including ECM components, MMPs, and crosslinking modifications are discussed. The latest advances of the research on the matrix mechanics in regulating intercellular signaling and cell phenotype are classified, especially for hepatic stellate cells, hepatocytes, and immunocytes. The molecular mechanism that sensing and transducing mechanical signaling is highlighted. The current progress of ECM stiffness's role in hepatic cirrhosis and liver cancer is introduced and summarized. Finally, the recent trials targeting ECM stiffness for the treatment of liver disease are detailed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Guo
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China,Research Center of Digestive Disease, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Cindy Wantono
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China,Research Center of Digestive Disease, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yuyong Tan
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China,Research Center of Digestive Disease, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Feihong Deng
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China,Research Center of Digestive Disease, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Tianying Duan
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China,Research Center of Digestive Disease, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Deliang Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China,Research Center of Digestive Disease, Central South University, Changsha, China,*Correspondence: Deliang Liu,
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Chen X, Zhu M, Tang Y, Xie H, Fan X. Methine initiated polypropylene-based disposable face masks aging validated by micromechanical properties loss of atomic force microscopy. J Hazard Mater 2023; 441:129831. [PMID: 36084457 PMCID: PMC9398948 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.129831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2022] [Revised: 08/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The contagious coronavirus disease-2019 pandemic has led to an increasing number of disposable face masks (DFMs) abandoned in the environment, when they are exposed to the air condition, the broken of chemical bond induced aging is inevitably occurred which meantime would cause a drastic decrease of the mechanical flexibility. However, the understanding of between chemical bond change related to aging and its micromechanical loss is limited due to the lack of refined techniques. Herein, the atomic force microscopy (AFM) technique was firstly used to observe the aging process induced by methine of the polypropylene-based DFMs. By comparing the micromechanical properties loss, the influences of humidity and light density on the DFM aging were systematically studied in the early 72 h, and it revealed that the increasing scissions number of the easiest attacked methine (Ct-H) can gradually decrease the micromechanical properties of the polypropylene (PP)-based DFM. Furthermore, the results are also validated by the in- situ FTIR and XPS analysis. This work discloses that an aging process can be initially estimated with the micromechanical changes observed by AFM, which offers fundamental data to manage this important emerging plastic pollution during COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueqin Chen
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Mude Zhu
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Yi Tang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Huiyuan Xie
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Xiaoyun Fan
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China.
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Staab-Weijnitz CA, Onursal C, Nambiar D, Vanacore R. Assessment of Collagen in Translational Models of Lung Research. Adv Exp Med Biol 2023; 1413:213-244. [PMID: 37195533 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-26625-6_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) plays an important role in lung health and disease. Collagen is the main component of the lung ECM, widely used for the establishment of in vitro and organotypic models of lung disease, and as scaffold material of general interest for the field of lung bioengineering. Collagen also is the main readout for fibrotic lung disease, where collagen composition and molecular properties are drastically changed and ultimately result in dysfunctional "scarred" tissue. Because of the central role of collagen in lung disease, quantification, determination of molecular properties, and three-dimensional visualization of collagen is important for both development and characterization of translational models of lung research. In this chapter, we provide a comprehensive overview on the various methodologies currently available for quantification and characterization of collagen including their detection principles, advantages, and disadvantages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia A Staab-Weijnitz
- Institute of Lung Health and Immunity and Comprehensive Pneumology Center with the CPC-M BioArchive, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität and Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany.
| | - Ceylan Onursal
- Institute of Lung Health and Immunity and Comprehensive Pneumology Center with the CPC-M BioArchive, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität and Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany
| | - Deepika Nambiar
- Center for Matrix Biology, Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Roberto Vanacore
- Center for Matrix Biology, Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.
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Vaez M, Asgari M, Hirvonen L, Bakir G, Khattignavong E, Ezzo M, Aguayo S, Schuh CM, Gough K, Bozec L. Modulation of the biophysical and biochemical properties of collagen by glycation for tissue engineering applications. Acta Biomater 2023; 155:182-198. [PMID: 36435437 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2022.11.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The structural and functional properties of collagen are modulated by the presence of intramolecular and intermolecular crosslinks. Advanced Glycation End-products (AGEs) can produce intermolecular crosslinks by bonding the free amino groups of neighbouring proteins. In this research, the following hypothesis is explored: The accumulation of AGEs in collagen decreases its proteolytic degradation rates while increasing its stiffness. Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging (FLIM) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) detect biochemical changes in collagen scaffolds during the glycation process. The accumulation of AGEs increases exponentially in the collagen scaffolds as a function of Methylglyoxal (MGO) concentration by performing autofluorescence measurement and competitive ELISA. Glycated scaffolds absorb water at a much higher rate confirming the direct affinity between AGEs and interstitial water within collagen fibrils. In addition, the topology of collagen fibrils as observed by Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) is a lot more defined following glycation. The elastic modulus of collagen fibrils decreases as a function of glycation, whereas the elastic modulus of collagen scaffolds increases. Finally, the enzymatic degradation of collagen by bacterial collagenase shows a sigmoidal pattern with a much slower degradation rate in the glycated scaffolds. This study identifies unique variations in the properties of collagen following the accumulation of AGEs. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: In humans, Advanced Glycation End-products (AGEs) are naturally produced as a result of aging process. There is an evident lack of knowledge in the basic science literature explaining the biomechanical impact of AGE-mediated crosslinks on the functional and structural properties of collagen at both the nanoscale (single fibrils) and mesoscale (bundles of fibrils). This research, demonstrates how it is possible to harness this natural phenomenon in vitro to enhance the properties of engineered collagen fibrils and scaffolds. This study identifies unique variations in the properties of collagen at nanoscale and mesoscale following accumulation of AGEs. In their approach, they investigate the unique properties conferred to collagen, namely enhanced water sorption, differential elastic modulus, and finally sigmoidal proteolytic degradation behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mina Vaez
- Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
| | - Meisam Asgari
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Liisa Hirvonen
- Centre for Microscopy, Characterisation & Analysis, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Gorkem Bakir
- Department of Chemistry, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | | | - Maya Ezzo
- Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Sebastian Aguayo
- Dentistry School, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile; Institute for Biological and Medical Engineering, Schools of Engineering, Medicine and Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Christina M Schuh
- Centro de Medicina Regenerativa, Facultad de Medicina Clínica Alemana-Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago, Chile
| | - Kathleen Gough
- Department of Chemistry, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Laurent Bozec
- Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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Ji W, Dai C, Cao Y, Yang Concptualization N, Wang T, Zhao G. A novel CO2-resistant dispersed particle gel for gas channeling control in low-permeability reservoirs. J Mol Liq 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molliq.2023.121251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
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Blache U, Ford EM, Ha B, Rijns L, Chaudhuri O, Dankers PY, Kloxin AM, Snedeker JG, Gentleman E. Engineered hydrogels for mechanobiology. Nat Rev Methods Primers 2022; 2:98. [PMID: 37461429 PMCID: PMC7614763 DOI: 10.1038/s43586-022-00179-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
Cells' local mechanical environment can be as important in guiding cellular responses as many well-characterized biochemical cues. Hydrogels that mimic the native extracellular matrix can provide these mechanical cues to encapsulated cells, allowing for the study of their impact on cellular behaviours. Moreover, by harnessing cellular responses to mechanical cues, hydrogels can be used to create tissues in vitro for regenerative medicine applications and for disease modelling. This Primer outlines the importance and challenges of creating hydrogels that mimic the mechanical and biological properties of the native extracellular matrix. The design of hydrogels for mechanobiology studies is discussed, including appropriate choice of cross-linking chemistry and strategies to tailor hydrogel mechanical cues. Techniques for characterizing hydrogels are explained, highlighting methods used to analyze cell behaviour. Example applications for studying fundamental mechanobiological processes and regenerative therapies are provided, along with a discussion of the limitations of hydrogels as mimetics of the native extracellular matrix. The article ends with an outlook for the field, focusing on emerging technologies that will enable new insights into mechanobiology and its role in tissue homeostasis and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrich Blache
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology and Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence for Immune-Mediated Disease, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Eden M. Ford
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, DE, USA
| | - Byunghang Ha
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Stanford University, CA, USA
| | - Laura Rijns
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Eindhoven University of Technology, PO Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Ovijit Chaudhuri
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Stanford University, CA, USA
| | - Patricia Y.W. Dankers
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Eindhoven University of Technology, PO Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - April M. Kloxin
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, DE, USA
- Department of Material Science and Engineering, University of Delaware, DE, USA
| | - Jess G. Snedeker
- University Hospital Balgrist and ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Eileen Gentleman
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology, King’s College London, London SE1 9RT, UK
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Pesce M, Duda GN, Forte G, Girao H, Raya A, Roca-cusachs P, Sluijter JPG, Tschöpe C, Van Linthout S. Cardiac fibroblasts and mechanosensation in heart development, health and disease. Nat Rev Cardiol 2022. [PMID: 36376437 DOI: 10.1038/s41569-022-00799-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The term 'mechanosensation' describes the capacity of cells to translate mechanical stimuli into the coordinated regulation of intracellular signals, cellular function, gene expression and epigenetic programming. This capacity is related not only to the sensitivity of the cells to tissue motion, but also to the decryption of tissue geometric arrangement and mechanical properties. The cardiac stroma, composed of fibroblasts, has been historically considered a mechanically passive component of the heart. However, the latest research suggests that the mechanical functions of these cells are an active and necessary component of the developmental biology programme of the heart that is involved in myocardial growth and homeostasis, and a crucial determinant of cardiac repair and disease. In this Review, we discuss the general concept of cell mechanosensation and force generation as potent regulators in heart development and pathology, and describe the integration of mechanical and biohumoral pathways predisposing the heart to fibrosis and failure. Next, we address the use of 3D culture systems to integrate tissue mechanics to mimic cardiac remodelling. Finally, we highlight the potential of mechanotherapeutic strategies, including pharmacological treatment and device-mediated left ventricular unloading, to reverse remodelling in the failing heart.
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37
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Symons HE, Galanti A, Surmon JC, Trask RS, Rochat S, Gobbo P. Automated analysis of soft material microindentation. Soft Matter 2022; 18:8302-8314. [PMID: 36286486 DOI: 10.1039/d2sm00857b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
An understanding of the mechanical properties of soft hydrogel materials over multiple length scales is important for their application in many fields. Typical measurement methods provide either bulk mechanical properties (compression, tensile, rheology) or probing of nano or microscale properties and heterogeneity (nanoindentation, AFM). In this work we demonstrate the complementarity of instrumented microindentation to these techniques, as it provides representative Young's moduli for soft materials with minimal influence of the experimental parameters chosen, and allows mechanical property mapping across macroscopic areas. To enable automated analysis of the large quantities of data required for these measurements, we develop a new fitting algorithm to process indentation data. This method allows for the determination of Young's moduli from imperfect data by automatic selection of a region of the indentation curve which does not display inelastic deformation or substrate effects. We demonstrate the applicability of our approach with a range of hydrogels, including materials with patterns and gradients in stiffness, and expect the techniques described here to be useful developments for the mechanical analysis of a wide range of soft and biological systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henry E Symons
- School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 1TS, UK
| | - Agostino Galanti
- School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 1TS, UK
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Trieste, Via Giorgieri 1, 34127, Trieste, Italy.
| | - Joseph C Surmon
- Department of Aerospace Engineering and Bristol Composites Institute, School of Civil, Aerospace, and Mechanical Engineering, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 1TR, UK
| | - Richard S Trask
- Department of Aerospace Engineering and Bristol Composites Institute, School of Civil, Aerospace, and Mechanical Engineering, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 1TR, UK
| | - Sebastien Rochat
- School of Chemistry, Department of Engineering Mathematics, and Bristol Composites Institute, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 1TS, UK
| | - Pierangelo Gobbo
- School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 1TS, UK
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Trieste, Via Giorgieri 1, 34127, Trieste, Italy.
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Richbourg NR, Rausch MK, Peppas NA. Cross-evaluation of stiffness measurement methods for hydrogels. POLYMER 2022; 258:125316. [DOI: 10.1016/j.polymer.2022.125316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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39
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Chen Q, Tian R, Liu G, Wen Y, Bian X, Luan D, Wang H, Lai K, Yan J. Fishing unfunctionalized SERS tags with DNA hydrogel network generated by ligation-rolling circle amplification for simple and ultrasensitive detection of kanamycin. Biosens Bioelectron 2022; 207:114187. [PMID: 35325717 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2022.114187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Simple assay format-based SERS methods for sensitive target substance analysis is of great significance for the development of on-site monitoring biosensors. Herein, taking the typical antibacterial kanamycin (KANA) as a subject, a simple, highly sensitive and specific SERS aptasensor was developed by manipulating DNA hydrogel network to fish plasmonic core-shell nanoparticles. A competitive binding mode of aptamer, ligation-rolling circle amplification (L-RCA), gap-containing Au@Au nanoparticles (GCNPs) with embedded Raman reporters were integrated into the sensor. In the presence of KANA, the double stranded DNA (dsDNA) structure of the aptamer was disrupted, and the released primers were used to construct two kinds of circularized padlock probes (CPPs) which were partially complementary. DNA hydrogel network was formed through the intertwining and self-assembly of two RCA-generated single stranded DNA (ssDNA) chains, during which GCNPs and magnetic beads (MBs) were entangled and incorporated. Finally, KANA quantification was successfully achieved through the quantification of the DNA hydrogel. Overall, this novel SERS aptasensor realized a simple and ultrasensitive quantification of KANA down to 2.3 fM, plus excellent selectivity, and precision even for real food samples. In view of innovative fusion across L-RCA-based DNA hydrogel and SERS technique, the proposed method has promising potential for application in on-site detection and quantification of trace food contaminants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Chen
- Laboratory of Quality and Safety Risk Assessment for Aquatic Products on Storage and Preservation (Shanghai), Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Aquatic-Product Process & Preservation, College of Food Science and Technology, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China
| | - Run Tian
- Laboratory of Quality and Safety Risk Assessment for Aquatic Products on Storage and Preservation (Shanghai), Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Aquatic-Product Process & Preservation, College of Food Science and Technology, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China; State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, School of Food Science and Technology, Synergetic Innovation Center of Food Safety and Nutrition, Jiangnan University, Lihu Road 1800, 214122, Wuxi, China
| | - Gang Liu
- Laboratory of Biometrology, Division of Chemistry and Ionizing Radiation Measurement Technology, Shanghai Institute of Measurement and Testing Technology, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Yanli Wen
- Laboratory of Biometrology, Division of Chemistry and Ionizing Radiation Measurement Technology, Shanghai Institute of Measurement and Testing Technology, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Xiaojun Bian
- Laboratory of Quality and Safety Risk Assessment for Aquatic Products on Storage and Preservation (Shanghai), Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Aquatic-Product Process & Preservation, College of Food Science and Technology, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China
| | - Donglei Luan
- Laboratory of Quality and Safety Risk Assessment for Aquatic Products on Storage and Preservation (Shanghai), Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Aquatic-Product Process & Preservation, College of Food Science and Technology, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China
| | - Huiyuan Wang
- Laboratory of Quality and Safety Risk Assessment for Aquatic Products on Storage and Preservation (Shanghai), Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Aquatic-Product Process & Preservation, College of Food Science and Technology, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China
| | - Keqiang Lai
- Laboratory of Quality and Safety Risk Assessment for Aquatic Products on Storage and Preservation (Shanghai), Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Aquatic-Product Process & Preservation, College of Food Science and Technology, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China.
| | - Juan Yan
- Laboratory of Quality and Safety Risk Assessment for Aquatic Products on Storage and Preservation (Shanghai), Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Aquatic-Product Process & Preservation, College of Food Science and Technology, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China.
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Lu S, Chao P, Liu W, Han K, Cheng JC, Li P. Longitudinal shear wave elasticity measurements of millimeter-sized biomaterials using a single-element transducer platform. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0266235. [PMID: 35385536 PMCID: PMC8985960 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0266235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Temporal variations of the extracellular matrix (ECM) stiffness profoundly impact cellular behaviors, possibly more significantly than the influence of static stiffness. Three-dimensional (3D) cell cultures with tunable matrix stiffness have been utilized to characterize the mechanobiological interactions of elasticity-mediated cellular behaviors. Conventional studies usually perform static interrogations of elasticity at micro-scale resolution. While such studies are essential for investigations of cellular mechanotransduction, few tools are available for depicting the temporal dynamics of the stiffness of the cellular environment, especially for optically turbid millimeter-sized biomaterials. We present a single-element transducer shear wave (SW) elasticity imaging system that is applied to a millimeter-sized, ECM-based cell-laden hydrogel. The single-element ultrasound transducer is used both to generate SWs and to detect their arrival times after being reflected from the side boundaries of the sample. The sample’s shear wave speed (SWS) is calculated by applying a time-of-flight algorithm to the reflected SWs. We use this noninvasive and technically straightforward approach to demonstrate that exposing 3D cancer cell cultures to X-ray irradiation induces a temporal change in the SWS. The proposed platform is appropriate for investigating in vitro how a group of cells remodels their surrounding matrix and how changes to their mechanical properties could affect the embedded cells in optically turbid millimeter-sized biomaterials.
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41
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Wiley KL, Sutherland BP, Ogunnaike BA, Kloxin AM. Rational Design of Hydrogel Networks with Dynamic Mechanical Properties to Mimic Matrix Remodeling. Adv Healthc Mater 2022; 11:e2101947. [PMID: 34936227 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202101947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Revised: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Engineered hydrogels are increasingly used as extracellular matrix (ECM) surrogates for probing cell function in response to ECM remodeling events related to injury or disease (e.g., degradation followed by deposition/crosslinking). Inspired by these events, this work establishes an approach for pseudo-reversible mechanical property modulation in synthetic hydrogels by integrating orthogonal, enzymatically triggered crosslink degradation, and light-triggered photopolymerization stiffening. Hydrogels are formed by a photo-initiated thiol-ene reaction between multiarm polyethylene glycol and a dually enzymatically degradable peptide linker, which incorporates a thrombin-degradable sequence for triggered softening and a matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-degradable sequence for cell-driven remodeling. Hydrogels are stiffened by photopolymerization using a flexible, MMP-degradable polymer-peptide conjugate and multiarm macromers, increasing the synthetic matrix crosslink density while retaining degradability. Integration of these tools enables sequential softening and stiffening inspired by matrix remodeling events within loose connective tissues (Young's modulus (E) ≈5 to 1.5 to 6 kPa with >3x ΔE). The cytocompatibility and utility of this approach is examined with breast cancer cells, where cell proliferation shows a dependence on the timing of triggered softening. This work provides innovative tools for 3D dynamic property modulation that are synthetically accessible and cell compatible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine L. Wiley
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering University of Delaware Newark DE 19716 USA
| | - Bryan P. Sutherland
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering University of Delaware Newark DE 19716 USA
| | - Babatunde A. Ogunnaike
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering University of Delaware Newark DE 19716 USA
| | - April M. Kloxin
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering University of Delaware Newark DE 19716 USA
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering University of Delaware Newark DE 19716 USA
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Porras-Gómez M, Shoaib T, Steer D, Espinosa-Marzal RM, Leal C. Pathological cardiolipin-promoted membrane hemifusion stiffens pulmonary surfactant membranes. Biophys J 2022; 121:886-896. [PMID: 35176270 PMCID: PMC8943818 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2022.02.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Revised: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Lower tract respiratory diseases such as pneumonia are pervasive, affecting millions of people every year. The stability of the air/water interface in alveoli and the mechanical performance during the breathing cycle are regulated by the structural and elastic properties of pulmonary surfactant membranes (PSMs). Respiratory dysfunctions and pathologies often result in, or are caused by, impairment of the PSMs. However, a gap remains between our knowledge of the etiology of lung diseases and the fundamental properties of PSMs. For example, bacterial pneumonia in humans and mice has been associated with aberrant levels of cardiolipin, a mitochondrial-specific, highly unsaturated 4-tailed anionic phospholipid, in lung fluid, which likely disrupts the structural and mechanical integrity of PSMs. Specifically, cardiolipin is expected to significantly alter PSM elasticity due to its intrinsic molecular properties favoring membrane folding away from a flat configuration. In this paper, we investigate the structural and mechanical properties of the lipidic components of PSMs using lipid-based models as well as bovine extracts affected by the addition of pathological cardiolipin levels. Specifically, using a combination of optical and atomic force microscopy with a surface force apparatus, we demonstrate that cardiolipin strongly promotes hemifusion of PSMs and that these local membrane contacts propagate at larger scales, resulting in global stiffening of lung membranes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marilyn Porras-Gómez
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois
| | - Tooba Shoaib
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois
| | - Dylan Steer
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois
| | - Rosa Maria Espinosa-Marzal
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois
| | - Cecília Leal
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois.
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Weigel T, Malkmus C, Weigel V, Wußmann M, Berger C, Brennecke J, Groeber-Becker F, Hansmann J. Fully Synthetic 3D Fibrous Scaffolds for Stromal Tissues-Replacement of Animal-Derived Scaffold Materials Demonstrated by Multilayered Skin. Adv Mater 2022; 34:e2106780. [PMID: 34933407 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202106780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) of soft tissues in vivo has remarkable biological and structural properties. Thereby, the ECM provides mechanical stability while it still can be rearranged via cellular remodeling during tissue maturation or healing processes. However, modern synthetic alternatives fail to provide these key features among basic properties. Synthetic matrices are usually completely degraded or are inert regarding cellular remodeling. Based on a refined electrospinning process, a method is developed to generate synthetic scaffolds with highly porous fibrous structures and enhanced fiber-to-fiber distances. Since this approach allows for cell migration, matrix remodeling, and ECM synthesis, the scaffold provides an ideal platform for the generation of soft tissue equivalents. Using this matrix, an electrospun-based multilayered skin equivalent composed of a stratified epidermis, a dermal compartment, and a subcutis is able to be generated without the use of animal matrix components. The extension of classical dense electrospun scaffolds with high porosities and motile fibers generates a fully synthetic and defined alternative to collagen-gel-based tissue models and is a promising system for the construction of tissue equivalents as in vitro models or in vivo implants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Weigel
- Translational Center for Regenerative Therapies (TLC-RT), Fraunhofer Institute for Silicate Research (ISC), 97082, Würzburg, Germany
- Department for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, University Hospital Würzburg, 97070, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Christoph Malkmus
- Department for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, University Hospital Würzburg, 97070, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Verena Weigel
- Translational Center for Regenerative Therapies (TLC-RT), Fraunhofer Institute for Silicate Research (ISC), 97082, Würzburg, Germany
- Department for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, University Hospital Würzburg, 97070, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Maximiliane Wußmann
- Translational Center for Regenerative Therapies (TLC-RT), Fraunhofer Institute for Silicate Research (ISC), 97082, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Constantin Berger
- Department for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, University Hospital Würzburg, 97070, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Julian Brennecke
- Department for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, University Hospital Würzburg, 97070, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Florian Groeber-Becker
- Translational Center for Regenerative Therapies (TLC-RT), Fraunhofer Institute for Silicate Research (ISC), 97082, Würzburg, Germany
- Department for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, University Hospital Würzburg, 97070, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Jan Hansmann
- Department for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, University Hospital Würzburg, 97070, Würzburg, Germany
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Applied Sciences Würzburg-Schweinfurt, 97421, Schweinfurt, Germany
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Loebel C, Saleh AM, Jacobson KR, Daniels R, Mauck RL, Calve S, Burdick JA. Metabolic labeling of secreted matrix to investigate cell-material interactions in tissue engineering and mechanobiology. Nat Protoc 2022; 17:618-48. [PMID: 35140408 DOI: 10.1038/s41596-021-00652-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Re-creating features of the native extracellular matrix (ECM) with engineered biomaterials has become a valuable tool to probe the influence of ECM properties on cellular functions (e.g., differentiation) and toward the engineering of tissues. However, characterization of newly secreted (nascent) matrix and turnover, which are important in the context of cells interacting with these biomaterials, has been limited by a lack of tools. We developed a protocol to visualize and quantify the spatiotemporal evolution of newly synthesized and deposited matrix by cells that are either cultured atop (2D) or embedded within (3D) biomaterial systems (e.g., hydrogels, fibrous matrices). This technique relies on the incorporation of a noncanonical amino acid (azidohomoalanine) into proteins as they are synthesized. Deposited nascent ECM components are then visualized with fluorescent cyclooctynes via copper-free cycloaddition for spatiotemporal analysis or modified with cleavable biotin probes for identification. Here we describe the preparation of hyaluronic acid hydrogels through ultraviolet or visible light induced cross-linking for 2D and 3D cell culture, as well as the fluorescent labeling of nascent ECM deposited by cells during culture. We also provide protocols for secondary immunofluorescence of specific ECM components and ImageJ-based ECM quantification methods. Hyaluronic acid polymer synthesis takes 2 weeks to complete, and hydrogel formation for 2D or 3D cell culture is performed in 2-3 h. Lastly, we detail the identification of nascent proteins, including enrichment, preparation and analysis with mass spectrometry, which can be completed in 10 d.
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Akbarzadeh Solbu A, Koernig A, Kjesbu JS, Zaytseva-Zotova D, Sletmoen M, Strand BL. High resolution imaging of soft alginate hydrogels by atomic force microscopy. Carbohydr Polym 2022; 276:118804. [PMID: 34823810 DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2021.118804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Revised: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
This work explores the largely unknown surface microstructure and elastic modulus of soft calcium-alginate hydrogels (E = 100-4500 Pa) in their hydrated state by atomic force microscopy (AFM) in quantitative imaging mode. Alginate concentration influenced the surface topography with surface roughness measured to be 101 ± 6 nm and 57 ± 1 nm for 0.5 and 2.0% (w/v) alginate, respectively. The calculated range of pore sizes increased with decreasing alginate concentration, with radii smaller than 360 nm, 570 nm and 1230 nm for 2.0%, 1.0% and 0.5% alginate, respectively. Small changes in calcium concentration (from 20 to 25 mM, 1.5% alginate) did not induce changes in surface microstructure, although it increased the elastic modulus mean values and distribution. Introducing oxidized or peptide-grafted alginate in the gels resulted in rougher surfaces, larger pore sizes and lower elasticity than the respective hydrogels with no modified alginate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita Akbarzadeh Solbu
- NOBIPOL, Department of Biotechnology and Food Science, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, N-7491 Trondheim, Norway.
| | - Andre Koernig
- JPKBioAFM Business, Bruker Nano GmbH, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Joachim S Kjesbu
- NOBIPOL, Department of Biotechnology and Food Science, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, N-7491 Trondheim, Norway.
| | - Daria Zaytseva-Zotova
- NOBIPOL, Department of Biotechnology and Food Science, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, N-7491 Trondheim, Norway.
| | - Marit Sletmoen
- NOBIPOL, Department of Biotechnology and Food Science, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, N-7491 Trondheim, Norway.
| | - Berit L Strand
- NOBIPOL, Department of Biotechnology and Food Science, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, N-7491 Trondheim, Norway.
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Wang P, Zhang YL, Fu KL, Liu Z, Zhang L, Liu C, Deng Y, Xie R, Ju XJ, Wang W, Chu LY. Zinc-coordinated polydopamine surface with a nanostructure and superhydrophilicity for antibiofouling and antibacterial applications. Mater Adv 2022. [DOI: 10.1039/d2ma00482h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
A superhydrophilic nanostructured surface of zinc-coordinated polydopamine is formed by the growth and intertwining of the PDA/Zn nanowires via Zn–N and Zn–O bonds, which has potential for preventing biomaterial-associated biofouling and infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Po Wang
- School of Chemical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610065, P. R. China
| | - Yi-Lin Zhang
- School of Chemical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610065, P. R. China
| | - Kai-Lai Fu
- School of Chemical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610065, P. R. China
| | - Zhuang Liu
- School of Chemical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610065, P. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610065, P. R. China
| | - Ling Zhang
- Kidney Research Institute, Division of Nephrology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610065, China
| | - Chen Liu
- Kidney Research Institute, Division of Nephrology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610065, China
| | - Yi Deng
- School of Chemical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610065, P. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610065, P. R. China
| | - Rui Xie
- School of Chemical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610065, P. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610065, P. R. China
| | - Xiao-Jie Ju
- School of Chemical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610065, P. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610065, P. R. China
| | - Wei Wang
- School of Chemical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610065, P. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610065, P. R. China
| | - Liang-Yin Chu
- School of Chemical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610065, P. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610065, P. R. China
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Xu K, Liu Y. Studies of probe tip materials by atomic force microscopy: a review. Beilstein J Nanotechnol 2022; 13:1256-1267. [PMID: 36415853 PMCID: PMC9644057 DOI: 10.3762/bjnano.13.104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
As a tool that can test insulators' surface morphology and properties, the performance index of atomic force microscope (AFM) probes is the most critical factor in determining the resolution of microscopy, and the performance of probes varies in various modes and application requirements. This paper reviews the latest research results in metal, carbon nanotube, and colloidal probes and reviews their related methods and techniques, analyses the advantages and disadvantages of the improved probes compared with ordinary probes by comparing the differences in spatial resolution, sensitivity, imaging, and other performance aspects, and finally provides an outlook on the future development of AFM probes. This paper promotes the development of AFM probes in the direction of new probes and further promotes the broader and deeper application of scanning probe microscope (SPM).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Xu
- School of Electrical & Control Engineering, Shenyang Jianzhu University, Shenyang 110168, China
| | - Yuzhe Liu
- School of Electrical & Control Engineering, Shenyang Jianzhu University, Shenyang 110168, China
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Abstract
Although understanding how soluble cues direct cellular processes revolutionised the study of cell biology in the second half of the 20th century, over the last two decades, new insights into how mechanical cues similarly impact cell fate decisions has gained momentum. During development, extrinsic cues such as fluid flow, shear stress and compressive forces are essential for normal embryogenesis to proceed. Indeed, both adult and embryonic stem cells can respond to applied forces, but they can also detect intrinsic mechanical cues from their surrounding environment, such as the stiffness of the extracellular matrix, which impacts differentiation and morphogenesis. Cells can detect changes in their mechanical environment using cell surface receptors such as integrins and focal adhesions. Moreover, dynamic rearrangements of the cytoskeleton have been identified as a key means by which forces are transmitted from the extracellular matrix to the cell and vice versa. Although we have some understanding of the downstream mechanisms whereby mechanical cues are translated into changes in cell behaviour, many of the signalling pathways remain to be defined. This review discusses the importance of intrinsic mechanical cues on adult cell fate decisions, the emerging roles of cell surface mechano-sensors and the cytoskeleton in enabling cells to sense its microenvironment, and the role of intracellular signalling in translating mechanical cues into transcriptional outputs. In addition, the contribution of mechanical cues to fundamental processes during embryogenesis such as apical constriction and convergent extension is discussed. The continued development of tools to measure the biomechanical properties of soft tissues in vivo is likely to uncover currently underestimated contributions of these cues to adult stem cell fate decisions and embryogenesis, and may inform on regenerative strategies for tissue repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonna Petzold
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Eileen Gentleman
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
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Denzer BR, Kulchar RJ, Huang RB, Patterson J. Advanced Methods for the Characterization of Supramolecular Hydrogels. Gels 2021; 7:158. [PMID: 34698172 PMCID: PMC8544384 DOI: 10.3390/gels7040158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Revised: 09/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
With the increased research on supramolecular hydrogels, many spectroscopic, diffraction, microscopic, and rheological techniques have been employed to better understand and characterize the material properties of these hydrogels. Specifically, spectroscopic methods are used to characterize the structure of supramolecular hydrogels on the atomic and molecular scales. Diffraction techniques rely on measurements of crystallinity and help in analyzing the structure of supramolecular hydrogels, whereas microscopy allows researchers to inspect these hydrogels at high resolution and acquire a deeper understanding of the morphology and structure of the materials. Furthermore, mechanical characterization is also important for the application of supramolecular hydrogels in different fields. This can be achieved through atomic force microscopy measurements where a probe interacts with the surface of the material. Additionally, rheological characterization can investigate the stiffness as well as the shear-thinning and self-healing properties of the hydrogels. Further, mechanical and surface characterization can be performed by micro-rheology, dynamic light scattering, and tribology methods, among others. In this review, we highlight state-of-the-art techniques for these different characterization methods, focusing on examples where they have been applied to supramolecular hydrogels, and we also provide future directions for research on the various strategies used to analyze this promising type of material.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bridget R. Denzer
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA; (B.R.D.); (R.B.H.)
| | - Rachel J. Kulchar
- Department of Chemistry, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA;
| | - Richard B. Huang
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA; (B.R.D.); (R.B.H.)
| | - Jennifer Patterson
- Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine Group, IMDEA Materials Institute, Getafe, 28906 Madrid, Spain
- Independent Consultant, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
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