Measurement of the Cosmic Ray Helium Energy Spectrum from 70 GeV to 80 TeV with the DAMPE Space Mission

The measurement of the energy spectrum of cosmic ray helium nuclei from 70 GeV to 80 TeV using 4.5 years of data recorded by the Dark Matter Particle Explorer (DAMPE) is reported in this work. A hardening of the spectrum is observed at an energy of about 1.3 TeV, similar to previous observations. In addition, a spectral softening at about 34 TeV is revealed for the first time with large statistics and well controlled systematic uncertainties, with an overall significance of 4.3σ. The DAMPE spectral measurements of both cosmic protons and helium nuclei suggest a particle charge dependent softening energy, although with current uncertainties a dependence on the number of nucleons cannot be ruled out.

Measurement of the cosmic ray proton spectrum from 40 GeV to 100 TeV with the DAMPE satellite

The precise measurement of the spectrum of protons, the most abundant component of the cosmic radiation, is necessary to understand the source and acceleration of cosmic rays in the Milky Way. This work reports the measurement of the cosmic ray proton fluxes with kinetic energies from 40 GeV to 100 TeV, with 2 ¹/₂ years of data recorded by the DArk Matter Particle Explorer (DAMPE). This is the first time that an experiment directly measures the cosmic ray protons up to ~100 TeV with high statistics. The measured spectrum confirms the spectral hardening at ~300 GeV found by previous experiments and reveals a softening at ~13.6 TeV, with the spectral index changing from ~2.60 to ~2.85. Our result suggests the existence of a new spectral feature of cosmic rays at energies lower than the so-called knee and sheds new light on the origin of Galactic cosmic rays.

Hypoxia differentially regulates human nucleus pulposus and annulus fibrosus cell extracellular matrix production in 3D scaffolds

OBJECTIVE

We hypothesize that intervertebral disc (IVD) cells from distinct region respond differently to oxygen environment, and that IVD cells from patients with disc degeneration can benefit from hypoxia condition. Therefore, we aimed to determine the transcriptional response and extracellular matrix (ECM) production of nucleus pulposus (NP) and annulus fibrosus (AF) cells to different oxygen tension.

METHOD

Human NP and AF from degenerated IVD were seeded in 3D scaffolds and subjected to varying oxygen tension (2% and 20%) for 3 weeks. Changes in ECM were evaluated using quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, histological and immunohistological analyses.

RESULTS

Hypoxia significantly enhances NP cells phenotype, which resulted in greater production of sulfated glycosaminoglycan (GAG) and collagen type II within the constructs and the cells expressed higher levels of genes encoding NP ECM. A significantly stronger fluorescent signal for hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF-1α) as also found in the NP cells under the hypoxic than normoxic condition. However, there was little effect of hypoxia on the AF cells.

CONCLUSIONS

The NP and AF cells respond differently to hypoxia condition on the 3D scaffold, and hypoxia could enhance NP phenotype. When used in concert with appropriate scaffold material, human NP cells from degenerated disc could be regenerated for tissue engineering application.

Tissue engineering lamb heart valve leaflets

Tissue engineered lamb heart valve leaflets (N - 3) were constructed by repeatedly seeding a concentrated suspension of autologous myofibroblasts onto a biodegradable synthetic polymeric scaffold composed of fibers made from polyglycolic acid and polylactic acid. Over a 2-week period the cells attached to the polymer fibers, multiplied, and formed a tissue core in the shape of the matrix. The tissue core was seeded with autologous large-vessel endothelial cells that formed a monolayer which coated the outer surface of the leaflet. The tissue engineered leaflets were surgically implanted in place of the right posterior pulmonary valve leaflet of the donor lamb while on cardiopulmonary bypass. Pulmonary valve function was evaluated by two-dimensional echocardiography with color Doppler which demonstrated valve function without evidence of stenosis and with only trivial regurgitation under normal physiologic conditions. Histologically, the tissue engineered heart valve leaflets resembled native valve leaflet tissue.

Nanofibrous scaffolds for dental and craniofacial applications

Tissue-engineering solutions often harness biomimetic materials to support cells for functional tissue regeneration. Three-dimensional scaffolds can create a multi-scale environment capable of facilitating cell adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation. One such multi-scale scaffold incorporates nanofibrous features to mimic the extracellular matrix along with a porous network for the regeneration of a variety of tissues. This review will discuss nanofibrous scaffold synthesis/fabrication, biological effects of nanofibers, their tissue- engineering applications in bone, cartilage, enamel, dentin, and periodontium, patient-specific scaffolds, and incorporated growth factor delivery systems. Nanofibrous scaffolds cannot only further the field of craniofacial regeneration but also advance technology for tissue-engineered replacements in many physiological systems.

Tissue Engineering of Tendon

We studied the feasibility of creating new tissue engineered tendons, using bovine tendon fibroblasts (tenocytes) attached to synthetic biodegradable polymer scaffolds in athymic mice. Calffore- and hind-limbs were obtained from a local slaughterhouse within 6 hours of sacrifice. Tenocytes were isolated from the calf tendons. Cells were seeded onto an array of fibers composed of polymer (PGA) configured either as a random mesh of fibers, or as an array of parallel fibers. Fifty cell-polymer constructs were implanted subcutaneously in athymic mice and harvested at 3, 6, 8, 10 and 12 weeks. Grossly, all excised specimens resembled the tendons from which the cells had been isolated. Histologic sections stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and Masson's trichrome showed cells arranged longitudinally within parallel collagen fibers in the periphery. Centrally, collagen fibers were more randomly arranged, although they seemed to attain a parallel arrangement of cells and fibers over time. By 10 weeks, specimens showed very similar histologic characteristics to normal tendon. Histologically, 12-week samples were virtually identical to normal tendon. When longitudinal polymer fibers seeded with cell had been implanted, the collagen fibers seen in the neo-tendons became organized at an earlier interval of time. Biomechanical tests demonstrated linear increase in tensile strength of the neo-tendons over time. Eight-week specimens showed 30% the tensile strength of normal tendon samples of similar size. By 12 weeks, tensile strength was already 57% that of normal bovine tendon.

Nanostructured polymer scaffolds for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine

The structural features of tissue engineering scaffolds affect cell response and must be engineered to support cell adhesion, proliferation and differentiation. The scaffold acts as an interim synthetic extracellular matrix (ECM) that cells interact with prior to forming a new tissue. In this review, bone tissue engineering is used as the primary example for the sake of brevity. We focus on nanofibrous scaffolds and the incorporation of other components including other nanofeatures into the scaffold structure. Since the ECM is comprised in large part of collagen fibers, between 50 and 500 nm in diameter, well-designed nanofibrous scaffolds mimic this structure. Our group has developed a novel thermally induced phase separation (TIPS) process in which a solution of biodegradable polymer is cast into a porous scaffold, resulting in a nanofibrous pore-wall structure. These nanoscale fibers have a diameter (50-500 nm) comparable to those collagen fibers found in the ECM. This process can then be combined with a porogen leaching technique, also developed by our group, to engineer an interconnected pore structure that promotes cell migration and tissue ingrowth in three dimensions. To improve upon efforts to incorporate a ceramic component into polymer scaffolds by mixing, our group has also developed a technique where apatite crystals are grown onto biodegradable polymer scaffolds by soaking them in simulated body fluid (SBF). By changing the polymer used, the concentration of ions in the SBF and by varying the treatment time, the size and distribution of these crystals are varied. Work is currently being done to improve the distribution of these crystals throughout three-dimensional scaffolds and to create nanoscale apatite deposits that better mimic those found in the ECM. In both nanofibrous and composite scaffolds, cell adhesion, proliferation and differentiation improved when compared to control scaffolds. Additionally, composite scaffolds showed a decrease in incidence of apoptosis when compared to polymer control in bone tissue engineering. Nanoparticles have been integrated into the nanostructured scaffolds to deliver biologically active molecules such as growth and differentiation factors to regulate cell behavior for optimal tissue regeneration.

Nano-fibrous scaffolds for tissue engineering

With the ability to form nano-fibrous structures, a drive to mimic the extracellular matrix (ECM) and form scaffolds that are an artificial extracellular matrix suitable for tissue formation has begun. These nano-fibrous scaffolds attempt to mimic collagen, a natural extracellular matrix component, and could potentially provide a better environment for tissue formation in tissue engineering systems. Three different approaches toward the formation of nano-fibrous materials have emerged: self-assembly, electrospinning and phase separation. Each of these approaches is very different and has a unique set of characteristics, which lends to its development as a scaffolding system. For instance, self-assembly can generate small diameter nano-fibers in the lowest end of the range of natural extracellular matrix collagen, while electrospinning has only generated large diameter nano-fibers on the upper end of the range of natural extracellular matrix collagen. Phase separation, on the other hand, has generated nano-fibers in the same range as natural extracellular matrix collagen and allows for the design of macropore structures. These attempts at an artificial extracellular matrix have the potential to accommodate cells and guide their growth and subsequent tissue regeneration.

Microtubular architecture of biodegradable polymer scaffolds

It is a relatively new approach to generate tissues with mammalian cells and scaffolds (temporary synthetic extracellular matrices). Many tissues, such as nerve, muscle, tendon, ligament, blood vessel, bone, and teeth, have tubular or fibrous bundle architectures and anisotropic properties. In this work, we have designed and fabricated highly porous scaffolds from biodegradable polymers with a novel phase-separation technique to generate controllable parallel array of microtubular architecture. Porosity as high as 97% has been achieved. The porosity, diameter of the microtubules, the tubular morphology, and their orientation are controlled by the polymer concentration, solvent system, and temperature gradient. The mechanical properties of these scaffolds are anisotropic. Osteoprogenitor cells are seeded in these three-dimensional scaffolds and cultured in vitro. The cell distribution and the neo-tissue organization are guided by the microtubular architecture. The fabrication technique can be applied to a variety of polymers, therefore the degradation rate and cell--matrix interactions can be controlled by the chemical composition of the polymers and the incorporation of bioactive moieties. These microtubular scaffolds may be used to engineer a variety of tissues with anisotropic architecture and properties.

Hepatic tissue engineering on 3-dimensional biodegradable polymers within a pulsatile flow bioreactor

BACKGROUND

An optimal method for hepatocyte transplantation is not yet determined. With the principles of tissue engineering in vitro conditioning of hepatocytes on biodegradable polymer in a flow bioreactor before implantation forming spheroids may achieve increased cell mass and function to replace lost organ function in vivo.

METHODS

Biodegradable poly-L-lactic (PLLA) polymer discs were seeded with rat hepatocytes in a concentration of 10 x 10(6) cells per ml and exposed to a medium flow of 24 ml/min for 1, 2, 4 and 6 days. The number and diameter of spheroidal aggregates was measured by phase-contrast microscopy. H&E histology was performed. Albumin production as hepatocyte specific function was determined by ELISA.

RESULTS

Spheroids of viable hepatocytes of 50-200 microm in diameter were formed. Both the number and diameter of the spheroids increased during the first 2 days and then remained constant until day 6. Albumin production was maintained throughout the culture period.

CONCLUSION

Short (2- 3 days) pre-transplant conditioning of hepatocytes in a flow bioreactor on biodegradable PLLA resulted in formation of spheroids with a liver-like morphology and preserved specific metabolic function. Tissue engineered hepatocyte spheroids on polymer may represent a functionally active and easy transplantable neotissue and may serve as an in vivo substitute for lost liver function.

Optimization of hepatocyte spheroid formation for hepatic tissue engineering on three-dimensional biodegradable polymer within a flow bioreactor prior to implantation

We hypothesize that in vitro conditioning of hepatocytes within biodegradable poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) polymer matrices prior to implantation may increase hepatocyte survival and function after transplantation. The purpose of this study was to optimize the culture conditions of hepatocytes in a pulsatile flow bioreactor. PLLA discs were seeded with rat hepatocytes in a concentration of 2.5, 5, 10, 20 and 40 x 10(6) cells/ml. Seeded discs were exposed to recirculated perpendicular flow of 0, 7, 15, 24, 32, 52 ml/min of supplemented Williams' Medium E and harvested after 6 days in flow culture. Only under flow conditions the hepatocytes formed spheroidal aggregates (SphA) of 50-260 microm in diameter with a liver-like morphology and active metabolic function. The number of SphA was examined by phase contrast microscopy and the reductive enzyme function of the hepatocytes was tested using MTT. Hematoxylin and eosin histology showed vital hepatocytes within the SphA less than 200 microm in diameter but central necrosis in the SphA exceeding this size. Immunohistochemical staining confirmed albumin production of hepatocytes within the SphA. The optimal cell seeding concentration was 10 x 10(6) cells/ml with a flow speed of 24 ml/min. SphA of hepatocytes cultured with this flow bioreactor method may prove useful as a functional unit for tissue engineering of an in vivo liver substitute.

Ionically crosslinked alginate hydrogels as scaffolds for tissue engineering: part 1. Structure, gelation rate and mechanical properties

Alginate gels have been used in both drug delivery and cell encapsulation applications in the bead form usually produced by dripping alginate solution into a CaCl2 bath. The major disadvantages to these systems are that the gelation rate is hard to control; the resulting structure is not uniform; and mechanically strong and complex-shaped 3-D structures are difficult to achieve. In this work controlled gelation rate was achieved with CaCO3-GDL and CaSO4-CaCO3-GDL systems, and homogeneous alginate gels were formulated as scaffolds with defined dimensions for tissue engineering applications. Gelation rate increased with increasing total calcium content, increasing proportion of CaSO4, increasing temperature and decreasing alginate concentration. Mechanical properties of the alginate gels were controlled by the compositional variables. Slower gelation systems generate more uniform and mechanically stronger gels than faster gelation systems. The compressive modulus and strength increased with alginate concentration, total calcium content, molecular weight and guluronic acid (G) content of the alginate. MC3T3-E1 osteoblastic cells were uniformly incorporated in the alginate gels and cultured in vitro. These results demonstrated how alginate gel and gel/cell systems could be formulated with controlled structure, gelation rate, and mechanical properties for tissue engineering and other biomedical applications.

Engineering new bone tissue in vitro on highly porous poly(alpha-hydroxyl acids)/hydroxyapatite composite scaffolds

Engineering new bone tissue with cells and a synthetic extracellular matrix (scaffolding) represents a new approach for the regeneration of mineralized tissues compared with the transplantation of bone (autografts or allografts). In the present work, highly porous poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) and PLLA/hydroxyapatite (HAP) composite scaffolds were prepared with a thermally induced phase separation technique. The scaffolds were seeded with osteoblastic cells and cultured in vitro. In the pure PLLA scaffolds, the osteoblasts attached primarily on the outer surface of the polymer. In contrast, the osteoblasts penetrated deep into the PLLA/HAP scaffolds and were uniformly distributed. The osteoblast survival percentage in the PLLA/HAP scaffolds was superior to that in the PLLA scaffolds. The osteoblasts proliferated in both types of the scaffolds, but the cell number was always higher in the PLLA/HAP composite scaffolds during 6 weeks of in vitro cultivation. Bone-specific markers (mRNAs encoding bone sialoprotein and osteocalcin) were expressed more abundantly in the PLLA/HAP composite scaffolds than in the PLLA scaffolds. The new tissue increased continuously in the PLLA/HAP composite scaffolds, whereas new tissue formed only near the surface of pure PLLA scaffolds. These results demonstrate that HAP imparts osteoconductivity and the highly porous PLLA/HAP composite scaffolds are superior to pure PLLA scaffolds for bone tissue engineering.

Biodegradable polymer scaffolds with well-defined interconnected spherical pore network

Scaffolding plays pivotal role in tissue engineering. In this work, a novel processing technique has been developed to create three-dimensional biodegradable polymer scaffolds with well-controlled interconnected spherical pores. Paraffin spheres were fabricated with a dispersion method, and were bonded together through a heat treatment to form a three-dimensional assembly in a mold. Biodegradable polymers such as PLLA and PLGA were dissolved in a solvent and cast onto the paraffin sphere assembly. After dissolving the paraffin, a porous polymer scaffold was formed. The fabrication parameters were studied in relation to the pore shape, interpore connectivity, pore wall morphology, and mechanical properties of the polymer scaffolds. The compressive modulus of the scaffolds decreased with increasing porosity. Longer heat treatment time of the paraffin spheres resulted in larger openings between the pores of the scaffolds. Foams of smaller pore size (100-200 microm) resulted in significantly lower compressive modulus than that of larger pore sizes (250-350 or 420-500 microm). The PLLA foams had a skeletal structure consisting of small platelets, whereas PLGA foams had homogeneous skeletal structure. The new processing technique can tailor the polymer scaffolds for a variety of potential tissue engineering applications because of the well-controlled architecture, interpore connectivity, and mechanical properties.

Synthetic nano-fibrillar extracellular matrices with predesigned macroporous architectures

Scaffolding plays a pivotal role in tissue engineering. To mimic the architecture of a natural extracellular matrix component-collagen, nona-fibrous matrices have been created with synthetic biodegradable polymers in our laboratory using a phase-separation technique. To improve the cell seeding, distribution, mass transport, and new tissue organization, three-dimensional macroporous architectures are built in the nano-fibrous matrices. Water-soluble porogen materials are first fabricated into three-dimensional negative replicas of the desired macroporous architectures. Polymer solutions are then cast over the porogen assemblies in a mold, and are thermally phase-separated to form nano-fibrous matrices. The porogen materials are leached out with water to finally form the synthetic nano-fibrous extracellular matrices with predesigned macroporous architectures. In this way, synthetic polymer matrices are created with architectural features at several levels, including the anatomical shape of the matrix, macroporous elements (100 microm to millimeters), interfiber distance (microns), and the diameter of the fibers (50-500 nm). These scaffolding materials circumvent the concerns of pathogen transmission and immuno-rejection associated with natural collagen. With the flexibility in the design of chemical structure, molecular weight, architecture, degradation rate, and mechanical properties, these novel synthetic matrices may serve as superior scaffolding for tissue engineering.

Synthetic nano-scale fibrous extracellular matrix

Biodegradable polymers have been widely used as scaffolding materials to regenerate new tissues. To mimic natural extracellular matrix architecture, a novel highly porous structure, which is a three-dimensional interconnected fibrous network with a fiber diameter ranging from 50 to 500 nm, has been created from biodegradable aliphatic polyesters in this work. A porosity as high as 98.5% has been achieved. These nano-fibrous matrices were prepared from the polymer solutions by a procedure involving thermally induced gelation, solvent exchange, and freeze-drying. The effects of polymer concentration, thermal annealing, solvent exchange, and freezing temperature before freeze-drying on the nano-scale structures were studied. In general, at a high gelation temperature, a platelet-like structure was formed. At a low gelation temperature, the nano-fibrous structure was formed. Under the conditions for nano-fibrous matrix formation, the average fiber diameter (160-170 nm) did not change statistically with polymer concentration or gelation temperature. The porosity decreased with polymer concentration. The mechanical properties (Young's modulus and tensile strength) increased with polymer concentration. A surface-to-volume ratio of the nano-fibrous matrices was two to three orders of magnitude higher than those of fibrous nonwoven fabrics fabricated with the textile technology or foams fabricated with a particulate-leaching technique. This synthetic analogue of natural extracellular matrix combined the advantages of synthetic biodegradable polymers and the nano-scale architecture of extracellular matrix, and may provide a better environment for cell attachment and function.

Porous poly(L-lactic acid)/apatite composites created by biomimetic process

Highly porous poly(L-lactic acid)/apatite composites were prepared through in situ formation of carbonated apatite onto poly(L-lactic acid) foams in a simulated body fluid. The highly porous polymer foams (up to 95% porosity) were prepared from polymer solution by solid-liquid phase separation and subsequent sublimation of the solvent. The foams were then immersed in the simulated body fluid at 37 degrees C to allow the in situ apatite formation. After incubation in the simulated body fluid for a certain period of time, a large number of characteristic microparticles formed on the surfaces of pore walls throughout the polymer foams. The microparticles were characterized with scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, Fourier transform IR spectroscopy, and X-ray diffractometry. These porous spherical microparticles were assemblies of microflakes. They were found to be carbonated bonelike apatite. A series of composite foams with varying sizes and concentrations of the apatite particles was obtained by varying incubation time and conditions. These porous composites may be promising scaffolding materials for bone tissue engineering and regeneration because the excellent bone-bonding properties of the apatite may provide a good environment for osteoblast and osteoprogenitor cells' attachment and growth.

Poly(alpha-hydroxyl acids)/hydroxyapatite porous composites for bone-tissue engineering. I. Preparation and morphology

Tissue engineering has shown great promise for creating biological alternatives for implants. In this approach, scaffolding plays a pivotal role. Hydroxyapatite mimics the natural bone mineral and has shown good bone-bonding properties. This paper describes the preparation and morphologies of three-dimensional porous composites from poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) or poly(D,L-lactic acid-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) solution and hydroxyapatite (HAP). A thermally induced phase separation technique was used to create the highly porous composite scaffolds for bone-tissue engineering. Freeze drying of the phase-separated polymer/HAP/solvent mixtures produced hard and tough foams with a co-continuous structure of interconnected pores and a polymer/HAP composite skeleton. The microstructure of the pores and the walls was controlled by varying the polymer concentration, HAP content, quenching temperature, polymer, and solvent utilized. The porosity increased with decreasing polymer concentration and HAP content. Foams with porosity as high as 95% were achieved. Pore sizes ranging from several microns to a few hundred microns were obtained. The composite foams showed a significant improvement in mechanical properties over pure polymer foams. They are promising scaffolds for bone-tissue engineering.

Poly(alpha-hydroxyl acids)/hydroxyapatite porous composites for bone-tissue engineering. I. Preparation and morphology

Tissue engineering has shown great promise for creating biological alternatives for implants. In this approach, scaffolding plays a pivotal role. Hydroxyapatite mimics the natural bone mineral and has shown good bone-bonding properties. This paper describes the preparation and morphologies of three-dimensional porous composites from poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) or poly(D,L-lactic acid-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) solution and hydroxyapatite (HAP). A thermally induced phase separation technique was used to create the highly porous composite scaffolds for bone-tissue engineering. Freeze drying of the phase-separated polymer/HAP/solvent mixtures produced hard and tough foams with a co-continuous structure of interconnected pores and a polymer/HAP composite skeleton. The microstructure of the pores and the walls was controlled by varying the polymer concentration, HAP content, quenching temperature, polymer, and solvent utilized. The porosity increased with decreasing polymer concentration and HAP content. Foams with porosity as high as 95% were achieved. Pore sizes ranging from several microns to a few hundred microns were obtained. The composite foams showed a significant improvement in mechanical properties over pure polymer foams. They are promising scaffolds for bone-tissue engineering.

Morphology and mechanical function of long-term in vitro engineered cartilage

Cartilage tissue can be engineered in vitro with articular chondrocytes and poly(glycolic acid) nonwoven scaffolds as previously shown over 12 weeks in vitro. This study addressed whether engineered cartilage would further evolve and approach natural cartilage in extracellular matrix organization and biomechanical properties, especially aggregate modulus through longer term in vitro cultivation. Cellularity, cell size, compressive modulus, and permeability of the in vitro engineered cartilage stabilized within the 12-week cultivation time and remained at the same levels as those of natural cartilage thereafter. The linear range of the stress-strain curve was from 0 to a strain value between 5 and 10% for all the engineered cartilage tissues that were in vitro cultured for longer than 2 weeks, which was the same linear range for natural cartilage. The aggregate modulus further increased from week 12 to week 20 and remained approximately the same value thereafter during a 25-week in vitro cultivation. The aggregate modulus of the engineered cartilage reached 179+/-9 kPa after 20 weeks of in vitro cultivation, which was 40% that of natural articular cartilage. To our knowledge this is the highest aggregate modulus value yet reported of any in vitro engineered cartilage tissue.

Formation of spheroidal aggregates of hepatocytes on biodegradable polymers under continuous-flow bioreactor conditions

Our laboratory has investigated heterotopic hepatocyte transplantation on biodegradable polymer matrices as an experimental treatment for end-stage liver disease. One of the limitations has been survival of sufficient cell mass after transplantation. We hypothesize that in vitro conditioning of cells within polymer matrices prior to implantation may increase hepatocyte survival and function. In this preliminary study we investigated the effect of continuous flow on hepatocytes and sinusoidal endothelial cells on poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) discs in vitro. Highly porous PLLA discs were manufactured measuring 18 mm diameter by 1 mm thickness using previously described techniques. Hepatocytes were isolated from adult, male Lewis rats (200-300 g) using a two-step collagenase digestion. Sinusoidal endothelial cells were isolated using a two-step collagenase digestion, differential sedimentation, Percoll gradient centrifugation, and selective adherence. PLLA discs were seeded with hepatocytes alone or with co-cultures of hepatocytes and sinusoidal endothelial cells. Seeded discs were then secured within a flow bioreactor chamber and exposed to continuous flow of culture media at a rate of 20 ml/minute through the chamber. Seeded discs placed in static culture conditions served as controls. Specimens seeded with only hepatocytes were harvested at 24 hours, 48 hours, and 168 hours after seeding. Co-culture specimens were harvested after 168 hours. Specimens were viewed under phase-contrast microscopy and then formalin-fixed and prepared for histologic sectioning. Sections were stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin and then analyzed with light microscopy. Hepatocytes under flow conditions formed spheroidal aggregates of cells of 50 to 200 microns in diameter by 24 hours in culture. Hepatocytes in static conditions showed decreased aggregation of cells and spheroid formation was absent. Co-cultured specimens under flow also showed spheroid formation with endothelial cells lining the outside of hepatocyte spheroids. Co-cultured specimens in static culture showed no spheroid formation and no organization between sinusoidal endothelial cells and hepatocytes. These results suggest that continuous flow increases organization of hepatocytes cultured within biodegradable polymer matrices.

Creation of viable pulmonary artery autografts through tissue engineering

BACKGROUND

"Repair" of many congenital cardiac defects requires the use of conduits to establish right ventricle to pulmonary artery continuity. At present, available homografts or prosthetic conduits lack growth potential and can become obstructed by tissue ingrowth or calcification leading to the need for multiple conduit replacements. Tissue engineering is an approach by which cells are grown in vitro onto biodegradable polymers to construct "tissues" for implantation. A tissue engineering approach has recently been used to construct living cardiac valve leaflets from autologous cells in our laboratory. This study assesses the feasibility of a tissue engineering approach to constructing tissue-engineered "living" pulmonary artery conduits.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ovine artery (group A, n = 4) or vein (group V, n = 3) segments were harvested, separated into individual cells, expanded in tissue culture, and seeded onto synthetic biodegradable (polyglactin/polyglycolic acid) tubular scaffolds (20 mm long x 15 mm diameter). After 7 days of in vitro culture, the autologous cell/polymer vascular constructs were used to replace a 2 cm segment of pulmonary artery in lambs (age 68.4 +/- 15.5 days, weight 18.7 +/- 2.0 kg). One other control animal received an acellular polymer tube sealed with fibrin glue without autologous cells. Animals were sacrificed at intervals of 11 to 24 weeks (mean follow-up 130.3 +/- 30.8 days, mean weight 38.9 +/- 13.0 kg) after echocardiographic and angiographic studies. Explanted tissue-engineered conduits were assayed for collagen (4-hydroxyproline) and calcium content, and a tissue deoxyribonucleic acid assay (bis-benzimide dye) was used to estimate number of cell nuclei as an index of tissue maturity.

RESULTS

The acellular control graft developed progressive obstruction and thrombosis. All seven tissue-engineered grafts were patent and demonstrated a nonaneurysmal increase in diameter (group A = 18.3 +/- 1.3 mm = 95.3% of native pulmonary artery; group V = 17.1 +/- 1.2 mm = 86.8% of native pulmonary artery). Histologically, none of the biodegradable polymer scaffold remained in any tissue-engineered graft by 11 weeks. Collagen content in tissue-engineered grafts was 73.9% +/- 8.0% of adjacent native pulmonary artery. Histologically, elastic fibers were present in the media layer of tissue-engineered vessel wall and endothelial specific factor VIII was identified on the luminal surface. Deoxyribonucleic acid assay showed a progressive decrease in numbers of cell nuclei over 11 and 24 weeks, suggesting an ongoing tissue remodeling. Calcium content of tissue-engineered grafts was elevated (group A = 7.95 +/- 5.09; group V = 13.2 +/- 5.48; native pulmonary artery = 1.2 +/- 0.8 mg/gm dry weight), but no macroscopic calcification was found.

CONCLUSIONS

Living vascular grafts engineered from autologous cells and biodegradable polymers functioned well in the pulmonary circulation as a pulmonary artery replacement. They demonstrated an increase in diameter suggesting growth and development of endothelial lining and extracellular matrix, including collagen and elastic fibers. This tissue-engineering approach may ultimately allow the development of viable autologous vascular grafts for clinical use.

Tissue-engineered heart valve leaflets: does cell origin affect outcome?

BACKGROUND

We previously reported the successful creation of tissue-engineered valve leaflet constructs and the implantation of these autologous tissue leaflets in the pulmonary valve position in a lamb model. The optimal cell origin for creating these valve leaflets remains unclear. This study was designed to compare dermal with arterial wall myofibroblasts as the cells of origin for the leaflet constructs.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Mixed cell populations of endothelial cells and fibroblasts were isolated from ovine femoral arteries or subdermis and then expanded in vitro. A synthetic biodegradable polymer scaffold was then seeded with the cultured cells. The tissue scaffold was composed of a polyglactin woven mesh sandwiched between two nonwoven polyglycolic acid mesh sheets, which measured 3x3 cm in size and 3.2 mm in thickness. The cell-seeded polymer construct was implanted to replace one pulmonary valve leaflet in the same juvenile animal from which the cells had originally been obtained. Using cardiopulmonary bypass, the right posterior leaflet of the pulmonary valve was completely resected and replaced with an autologous engineered valve leaflet. In group D (n=5), the cells were obtained from subdermis, and in group A (n=4), they were obtained from the arterial wall. Eight to 10 weeks after leaflet implantation, the animals were killed, and the implanted valve leaflets were examined histologically, biochemically, and biomechanically. The dimensions of each tissue-engineered leaflet (TEL) were compared with those of the two remaining native valve leaflets to obtain a growth index. A 4-hydroxyproline assay was performed to evaluate collagen content. Leaflet tensile strength was evaluated in vitro by using a Vitrodyne V-1000 mechanical tester. Factor VIII and elastin stains were performed to histologically assess the presence of endothelial cells and elastin, respectively. In all animals, the TEL persisted in the pulmonary valve position after 8 to 10 weeks, and all polyglycolic acid polymer had been degraded. Group A leaflets had a higher growth index (0.86+/-0.11) than group D (0.41+/-0.08) (P<.05). Macroscopically, the group D leaflets appeared thicker and contracted. Histologically, elastic fibers were more abundant in group A than in group D. Total collagen content and biomechanical testing showed no differences between groups. Leaflets from both groups had positive staining for factor VIII on the surface, confirming growth of endothelial cells to cover the TEL.

CONCLUSIONS

Autologous TEL derived from vascular fibroblasts seem to develop functionally and morphologically like the native valve leaflets in the pulmonary circulation. Use of arterial myofibroblasts for the creation of TEL seems preferable to dermal fibroblasts with current tissue culture conditions.

The in vitro construction of a tissue engineered bioprosthetic heart valve

PROBLEM

Heart valve replacement with either a nonliving xenograft or a mechanical prosthesis is an effective therapy for valvular heart disease. Both of these approaches have limitations, including their inability to grow, repair, and remodel. In addition, a mechanical prosthesis requires long-term anticoagulation therapy.

METHODS

This study demonstrates the in vitro creation of tissue engineered heart valve tissue using cardiovascular cells on degradable polymer matrices, 40 heart valve leaflets were created using this technique from two sources. Xenograft leaflets were created using human dermal fibroblasts and bovine aortic endothelial cells (n = 20) or allograft valve leaflets were created using sheep myofibroblasts and sheep endothelial cells (n = 20). A mixed sheep cell population was obtained consisting of endothelial cells and myofibroblasts. Endothelial cells were labelled with acethylated low density lipoprotein (Ac-Dil-LDL) and cells were separated into two groups using an activated cell sorter: LDL positive cells comprised of a pure endothelial cell population and LDL negative cells comprised of mixed cell population containing myofibroblasts and smooth muscle cells. The LDL negative cells were seeded on a synthetic polyglycolic acid (PGA) mesh and grown in vitro to form a tissue-like fibroblast-mesh core. Endothelial cells were then seeded onto the surface of the fibroblast-mesh core, forming a single monolayer.

RESULTS

Histological evaluation of these constructs revealed an inner core of LDL negative cells and outer endothelial-like cells which were factor VIII positive. There was no evidence of capillary formation from endothelial cells invading the myofibroblasts and smooth muscle matrix and the endothelial lining appeared complete.

CONCLUSIONS

It is feasible to construct allogenic heart valve tissue which could be used to make a valve.

The effect of donor and recipient age on engraftment of tissue-engineered liver

A novel treatment for end-stage liver disease using heterotopic hepatocyte transplantation on biodegradable polymers has been investigated. Survival and repopulation of adequate cell mass to replace hepatic function has been the principal difficulty of this method. Hence the authors have begun to investigate the role of donor and recipient age on the efficiency of hepatocyte transplantation. Lewis rats were used as donors and recipients. Hepatocytes were isolated with a collagenase digestion, both for the adult and fetal livers (17 days estimated gestational age). After digestion, the hepatocytes were seeded onto 95% porous poly-(L)-lactic acid matrices. The polymer-cell constructs with adult or fetal cells were then implanted between mesenteric leaves of three different recipient groups: adults (approximately 200 g), 2-week, and 4-week neonates (two to five animals per group, depending on litter size). The specimens were harvested at 4 weeks, stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E), and the cell area of each specimen (24 sections per group) was quantitated using morphometric analysis. Results were statistically analyzed using an unpaired, two-tailed Student's t test. At 4 weeks, all specimens showed survival of groups of hepatocytes, especially along the periphery of the polymers and near blood vessels. The hepatocyte cell area for the six groups was calculated in square micrometers: the adult cells transplanted into adult recipients, 0.16 x 10(5) microns2; fetal cells into adults, 0.47 x 10(5) microns2; adult into 4-week neonates, 1.17 x 10(5) microns2; fetal into 4-week neonates, 4.54 x 10(5) microns2; adult into 2-week neonates, 2.98 x 10(5) microns2, and fetal into 2-week neonates, 5.81 x 10(5) microns2. In all three recipient groups, the area of fetal hepatocytes was approximately two to three times the area of the adult hepatocytes (P < .05 for 2-week and 4-week neonatal recipients, P = .06 for adult recipients). Also, as the recipient age decreased, there was an increase in the hepatocyte cell area (P < .05 for fetal or adult groups). The authors conclude that fetal hepatocytes heterotopically transplanted have a significant survival advantage over adult hepatocytes, independent of recipient age. The authors further conclude that the neonatal environment is more favorable than the adult environment for implantation of hepatocytes.

Tissue-engineered heart valves. Autologous valve leaflet replacement study in a lamb model

BACKGROUND

We have previously reported the successful creation of tissue-engineered valve leaflets and the implantation of these autologous tissue leaflets in the pulmonary valve position. This study was designed to trace cultured cells that were seeded onto a biodegradable polymer with the use of a 1,1'-dioctadecyl-3,3,3' 3'-tetramethylindo-carbocyanine perchlorate (Di-1) cell-labeling method. We also examined the time-related biochemical, biomechanical, and histological characteristics and evolution of these tissue constructs.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Mixed cell populations of endothelial cells and fibroblasts were isolated from explanted ovine arteries. Endothelial cells were selectively labeled with an acetylated low density lipoprotein marker and separated from fibroblasts with the use of a fluorescence-activated cell sorter. A synthetic biodegradable scaffold consisting of polyglycolic acid fibers was seeded first with fibroblasts, then coated with endothelial cells. Using these methods, we implanted autologous cell/polymer constructs in six animals. In two additional control animals, a leaflet of polymer was implanted without prior cell seeding. In each animal, cardiopulmonary bypass was used to completely resect the right posterior leaflet of the pulmonary valve and replace it with an engineered valve leaflet with (n = 6) or without (n = 2) prior cultured cell seeding. The animals were killed either after 6 hours or after 1, 6, 7, 9, or 11 weeks, and the implanted valve leaflets were examined histologically, biochemically, and biomechanically. 4-Hydroxyproline assays were performed to determine collagen content. Leaflet strength was evaluated in vitro with a mechanical tester Factor VIII and elastin stains were done to verify histologically that endothelial cells and elastin, respectively, were present. Animals receiving leaflets made from polymers without cell seeding were killed and examined in a similar fashion after 8 weeks. In the control animals, the acellular polymer leaflets were completely degraded, with no residual leaflet tissue at 8 weeks. The tissue-engineered valve leaflet persisted in each animal in the experimental group. 4-Hydroxyproline analysis of the constructs showed a progressive increase in collagen content. Immunohistochemical staining demonstrated elastin fibers in the matrix and factor VIII on the surface of the leaflet. The cell-labeling experiments demonstrated that the cells on the leaflets had persisted from the in vitro seeding of the leaflets.

CONCLUSIONS

In the tissue-engineered heart valve leaflet, transplanted autologous cells generated a proper matrix on the polymer scaffold in a physiological environment at a period of 8 weeks after implantation.

Tissue engineering heart valves: valve leaflet replacement study in a lamb model

BACKGROUND

Valve replacements using either bioprosthetic or mechanical valves have the disadvantage that these structures are unable to grow, repair, or remodel and are both thrombogenic and susceptible to infection. These characteristics have significantly limited their durability and longevity. In an attempt to begin to overcome these shortcomings, we have tested the feasibility of constructing heart valve leaflets in lambs by seeding a synthetic polyglycolic acid fiber matrix in vitro with fibroblasts and endothelial cells.

METHODS

Mixed cell populations of endothelial cells and fibroblasts were isolated from explanted ovine arteries. Endothelial cells were selectively labeled with an acetylated low-density lipoprotein marker and separated from the fibroblasts using a fluorescent activated cell sorter. A synthetic biodegradable scaffold constructed from polyglycolic acid fibers was seeded with fibroblasts, which grew to form a tissue-like sheet. This tissue was subsequently seeded with endothelial cells, which formed a cellular monolayer coating around the leaflet. Using these constructs, autologous (n = 3) and allogenic (n = 4) tissue engineered leaflets were implanted in 7 animals. In each animal the right posterior leaflet of the pulmonary valve was resected and replaced with an engineered valve leaflet.

RESULTS

All animals survived the procedure. Postoperative echocardiography demonstrated no evidence of stenosis and trivial pulmonary regurgitation in the autografts and moderate regurgitation in the allogenic valves. Collagen analysis of the constructs showed development of an extracellular matrix. Histologic evaluation of the constructs demonstrated appropriate cellular architecture.

CONCLUSIONS

This preliminary experiment showed that a tissue engineered valve leaflet constructed from its cellular components can function in the pulmonary valve position. Tissue engineering of a heart valve leaflet is feasible, and these preliminary studies suggest that autograft tissue will probably be superior to allogenic tissue.

Development of biomechanical properties and morphogenesis of in vitro tissue engineered cartilage

Neocartilage was engineered by culturing bovine chondrocytes on poly(glycolic acid) (PGA) fibrous nonwoven scaffolds. The biomechanical properties and morphologies of the PGA-chondrocyte constructs were studied over 12 weeks of in vitro culture. PGA scaffolds without cells lost their mechanical strength and structural integrity between week 2 and week 3 in culture. The thickness of the PGA-chondrocyte constructs decreased by 35% during the first 3 weeks, but the thickness increased from week 3 to week 9 to a thickness 42% higher than that of the starting scaffolds, which was then maintained. Safranin O staining of PGA-chondrocyte constructs revealed increasing proteoglycan formation over time. The compressive modules of PGA-chondrocyte constructs increased with in vitro culture time, and reached the same order of magnitude as that of normal bovine cartilage at week 9. The aggregate modulus of the PGA-chondrocyte constructs decreased by 57% over the first 2 weeks but then increased, reaching the same order of magnitude as normal bovine cartilage at week 12. The apparent permeability of the PGA-chondrocyte constructs, which was initially four orders of magnitude above that of normal cartilage, decreased between weeks 1 and 3 and thereafter remained the same order of magnitude as that measured for normal cartilage.