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Ohnsorg ML, Mash KM, Khang A, Rao VV, Kirkpatrick BE, Bera K, Anseth KS. Nonlinear Elastic Bottlebrush Polymer Hydrogels Modulate Actomyosin Mediated Protrusion Formation in Mesenchymal Stromal Cells. Adv Mater 2024:e2403198. [PMID: 38655776 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202403198] [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] [Received: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
The nonlinear elasticity of many tissue-specific extracellular matrices is difficult to recapitulate without the use of fibrous architectures, which couple strain-stiffening with stress relaxation. Herein, bottlebrush polymers are synthesized and crosslinked to form poly(ethylene glycol)-based hydrogels and used to study how strain-stiffening behavior affects human mesenchymal stromal cells (hMSCs). By tailoring the bottlebrush polymer length, the critical stress associated with the onset of network stiffening is systematically varied, and a unique protrusion-rich hMSC morphology emerges only at critical stresses within a biologically accessible stress regime. Local cell-matrix interactions are quantified using 3D traction force microscopy and small molecule inhibitors are used to identify cellular machinery that plays a critical role in hMSC mechanosensing of the engineered, strain-stiffening microenvironment. Collectively, this study demonstrates how covalently crosslinked bottlebrush polymer hydrogels can recapitulate strain-stiffening biomechanical cues at biologically relevant stresses and be used to probe how nonlinear elastic matrix properties regulate cellular processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica L Ohnsorg
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80308, USA
- BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80308, USA
| | - Kayla M Mash
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80308, USA
| | - Alex Khang
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80308, USA
- BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80308, USA
| | - Varsha V Rao
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80308, USA
- BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80308, USA
| | - Bruce E Kirkpatrick
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80308, USA
- BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80308, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Kaustav Bera
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80308, USA
- BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80308, USA
| | - Kristi S Anseth
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80308, USA
- BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80308, USA
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2
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Hebner TS, Kirkpatrick BE, Fairbanks BD, Bowman CN, Anseth KS, Benoit DSW. Radical-Mediated Degradation of Thiol-Maleimide Hydrogels. Adv Sci (Weinh) 2024:e2402191. [PMID: 38582514 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202402191] [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] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024]
Abstract
Michael addition between thiol- and maleimide-functionalized molecules is a long-standing approach used for bioconjugation, hydrogel crosslinking, and the functionalization of other advanced materials. While the simplicity of this chemistry enables facile synthesis of hydrogels, network degradation is also desirable in many instances. Here, the susceptibility of thiol-maleimide bonds to radical-mediated degradation is reported. Irreversible degradation in crosslinked materials is demonstrated using photoinitiated and chemically initiated radicals in hydrogels and linear polymers. The extent of degradation is shown to be dependent on initiator concentration. Using a model linear polymer system, the radical-mediated mechanism of degradation is elucidated, in which the thiosuccinimide crosslink is converted to a succinimide and a new thioether formed with an initiator fragment. Using laser stereolithography, high-fidelity spatiotemporal control over degradation in crosslinked gels is demonstrated. Ultimately, this work establishes a platform for controllable, radical-mediated degradation in thiol-maleimide hydrogels, further expanding their versatility as functional materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tayler S Hebner
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Oregon, 6231 University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, 97403, USA
| | - Bruce E Kirkpatrick
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, 596 UCB, Boulder, CO, 80309, USA
- BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, 596 UCB, Boulder, CO, 80309, USA
- BioFrontiers Institute Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 13001 East 17th Place, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Benjamin D Fairbanks
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, 596 UCB, Boulder, CO, 80309, USA
| | - Christopher N Bowman
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, 596 UCB, Boulder, CO, 80309, USA
| | - Kristi S Anseth
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, 596 UCB, Boulder, CO, 80309, USA
- BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, 596 UCB, Boulder, CO, 80309, USA
| | - Danielle S W Benoit
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Oregon, 6231 University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, 97403, USA
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Skillin NP, Bauman GE, Kirkpatrick BE, McCracken JM, Park K, Vaia RA, Anseth KS, White TJ. Photothermal Actuation of Thick 3D-Printed Liquid Crystalline Elastomer Nanocomposites. Adv Mater 2024:e2313745. [PMID: 38482935 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202313745] [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] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
Liquid crystalline elastomers (LCEs) are stimuli-responsive materials that transduce an input energy into a mechanical response. LCE composites prepared with photothermal agents, such as nanoinclusions, are a means to realize wireless, remote, and local control of deformation with light. Amongst photothermal agents, gold nanorods (AuNRs) are highly efficient converters when the irradiation wavelength matches the longitudinal surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) of the AuNRs. However, AuNR aggregation broadens the LSPR which also reduces photothermal efficiency. Here, the surface chemistry of AuNRs is engineered via a well-controlled two-step ligand exchange with a monofunctional poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) thiol that greatly improves the dispersion of AuNRs in LCEs. Accordingly, LCE-AuNR nanocomposites with very low PEG-AuNR content (0.01 wt%) prepared by 3D printing are shown to be highly efficient photothermal actuators with rapid response (>60% strain s-1) upon irradiation with near-infrared (NIR; 808 nm) light. Because of the excellent dispersion of PEG-AuNR within the LCE, unabsorbed NIR light transmits through the nanocomposites and can actuate a series of samples. Further, the dispersion also allows for the optical deformation of millimeter-thick 3D printed structures without sacrificing actuation speed. The realization of well-dispersed nanoinclusions to maximize the stimulus-response of LCEs can benefit functional implementation in soft robotics or medical devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathaniel P Skillin
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
- The BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Grant E Bauman
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
| | - Bruce E Kirkpatrick
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
- The BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Joselle M McCracken
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
| | - Kyoungweon Park
- Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, Air Force Research Laboratory, Wright-Patterson AFB, Dayton, OH, 45433, USA
- UES, Inc., Dayton, OH, 45433, USA
| | - Richard A Vaia
- Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, Air Force Research Laboratory, Wright-Patterson AFB, Dayton, OH, 45433, USA
| | - Kristi S Anseth
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
- The BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
- Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
| | - Timothy J White
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
- Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
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4
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McNally DL, Macdougall LJ, Kirkpatrick BE, Maduka CV, Hoffman TE, Fairbanks BD, Bowman CN, Spencer SL, Anseth KS. Reversible Intracellular Gelation of MCF10A Cells Enables Programmable Control Over 3D Spheroid Growth. Adv Healthc Mater 2024; 13:e2302528. [PMID: 38142299 PMCID: PMC10939856 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202302528] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/25/2023]
Abstract
In nature, some organisms survive extreme environments by inducing a biostatic state wherein cellular contents are effectively vitrified. Recently, a synthetic biostatic state in mammalian cells is achieved via intracellular network formation using bio-orthogonal strain-promoted azide-alkyne cycloaddition (SPAAC) reactions between functionalized poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) macromers. In this work, the effects of intracellular network formation on a 3D epithelial MCF10A spheroid model are explored. Macromer-transfected cells are encapsulated in Matrigel, and spheroid area is reduced by ≈50% compared to controls. The intracellular hydrogel network increases the quiescent cell population, as indicated by increased p21 expression. Additionally, bioenergetics (ATP/ADP ratio) and functional metabolic rates are reduced. To enable reversibility of the biostasis effect, a photosensitive nitrobenzyl-containing macromer is incorporated into the PEG network, allowing for light-induced degradation. Following light exposure, cell state, and proliferation return to control levels, while SPAAC-treated spheroids without light exposure (i.e., containing intact intracellular networks) remain smaller and less proliferative through this same period. These results demonstrate that photodegradable intracellular hydrogels can induce a reversible slow-growing state in 3D spheroid culture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delaney L McNally
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
| | - Laura J Macdougall
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
- The BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
| | - Bruce E Kirkpatrick
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
- The BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Chima V Maduka
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
- The BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
| | - Timothy E Hoffman
- The BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
| | - Benjamin D Fairbanks
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
- Materials Science and Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
| | - Christopher N Bowman
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
- The BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
- Materials Science and Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
| | - Sabrina L Spencer
- The BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
| | - Kristi S Anseth
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
- Materials Science and Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
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5
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Nelson BR, Kirkpatrick BE, Skillin NP, Di Caprio N, Lee JS, Hibbard LP, Hach GK, Khang A, White TJ, Burdick JA, Bowman CN, Anseth KS. Facile Physicochemical Reprogramming of PEG-Dithiolane Microgels. Adv Healthc Mater 2023:e2302925. [PMID: 37984810 PMCID: PMC11102926 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202302925] [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: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
Granular biomaterials have found widespread applications in tissue engineering, in part because of their inherent porosity, tunable properties, injectability, and 3D printability. However, the assembly of granular hydrogels typically relies on spherical microparticles and more complex particle geometries have been limited in scope, often requiring templating of individual microgels by microfluidics or in-mold polymerization. Here, we use dithiolane-functionalized synthetic macromolecules to fabricate photopolymerized microgels via batch emulsion, and then harness the dynamic disulfide crosslinks to rearrange the network. Through unconfined compression between parallel plates in the presence of photoinitiated radicals, we transform the isotropic microgels are transformed into disks. Characterizing this process, we find that the areas of the microgel surface in contact with the compressive plates are flattened while the curvature of the uncompressed microgel boundaries increases. When cultured with C2C12 myoblasts, cells localize to regions of higher curvature on the disk-shaped microgel surfaces. This altered localization affects cell-driven construction of large supraparticle scaffold assemblies, with spherical particles assembling without specific junction structure while disk microgels assemble preferentially on their curved surfaces. These results represent a unique spatiotemporal process for rapid reprocessing of microgels into anisotropic shapes, providing new opportunities to study shape-driven mechanobiological cues during and after granular hydrogel assembly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin R Nelson
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
- BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
| | - Bruce E Kirkpatrick
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
- BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Nathaniel P Skillin
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
- BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Nikolas Di Caprio
- BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Joshua S Lee
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
- BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
| | - Lea Pearl Hibbard
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
- BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
| | - Grace K Hach
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
- BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
| | - Alex Khang
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
- BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
| | - Timothy J White
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
- Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
| | - Jason A Burdick
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
- BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
| | - Christopher N Bowman
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
- Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
| | - Kristi S Anseth
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
- BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
- Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
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6
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Skillin NP, Kirkpatrick BE, Herbert KM, Nelson BR, Hach GK, Günay KA, Khan RM, DelRio FW, White TJ, Anseth KS. Stiffness anisotropy coordinates supracellular contractility driving long-range myotube-ECM alignment. bioRxiv 2023:2023.08.08.552197. [PMID: 37609145 PMCID: PMC10441277 DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.08.552197] [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: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
In skeletal muscle tissue, injury-related changes in stiffness activate muscle stem cells through mechanosensitive signaling pathways. Functional muscle tissue regeneration also requires the effective coordination of myoblast proliferation, migration, polarization, differentiation, and fusion across multiple length scales. Here, we demonstrate that substrate stiffness anisotropy coordinates contractility-driven collective cellular dynamics resulting in C2C12 myotube alignment over millimeter-scale distances. When cultured on mechanically anisotropic liquid crystalline polymer networks (LCNs) lacking topographic features that could confer contact guidance, C2C12 myoblasts collectively polarize in the stiffest direction of the substrate. Cellular coordination is amplified through reciprocal cell-ECM dynamics that emerge during fusion, driving global myotube-ECM ordering. Conversely, myotube alignment was restricted to small local domains with no directional preference on mechanically isotropic LCNs of same chemical formulation. These findings reveal a role for stiffness anisotropy in coordinating emergent collective cellular dynamics, with implications for understanding skeletal muscle tissue development and regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathaniel P. Skillin
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
- The BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Bruce E. Kirkpatrick
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
- The BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Katie M. Herbert
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
| | - Benjamin R. Nelson
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
- The BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
| | - Grace K. Hach
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
- The BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
| | - Kemal Arda Günay
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
- The BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
| | - Ryan M. Khan
- Material, Physical, and Chemical Sciences Center, Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque, NM, 87185, USA
| | - Frank W. DelRio
- Material, Physical, and Chemical Sciences Center, Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque, NM, 87185, USA
| | - Timothy J. White
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
| | - Kristi S. Anseth
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
- The BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
- Lead contact
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7
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Nelson BR, Kirkpatrick BE, Miksch CE, Davidson MD, Skillin NP, Hach GK, Khang A, Hummel SN, Fairbanks BD, Burdick JA, Bowman CN, Anseth KS. Photoinduced Dithiolane Crosslinking for Multiresponsive Dynamic Hydrogels. Adv Mater 2023:e2211209. [PMID: 36715698 PMCID: PMC10387131 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202211209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
While many hydrogels are elastic networks crosslinked by covalent bonds, viscoelastic hydrogels with adaptable crosslinks are increasingly being developed to better recapitulate time and position-dependent processes found in many tissues. In this work, 1,2-dithiolanes are presented as dynamic covalent photocrosslinkers of hydrogels, resulting in disulfide bonds throughout the hydrogel that respond to multiple stimuli. Using lipoic acid as a model dithiolane, disulfide crosslinks are formed under physiological conditions, enabling cell encapsulation via an initiator-free light-induced dithiolane ring-opening photopolymerization. The resulting hydrogels allow for multiple photoinduced dynamic responses including stress relaxation, stiffening, softening, and network functionalization using a single chemistry, which can be supplemented by permanent reaction with alkenes to further control network properties and connectivity using irreversible thioether crosslinks. Moreover, complementary photochemical approaches are used to achieve rapid and complete sample degradation via radical scission and post-gelation network stiffening when irradiated in the presence of reactive gel precursor. The results herein demonstrate the versatility of this material chemistry to study and direct 2D and 3D cell-material interactions. This work highlights dithiolane-based hydrogel photocrosslinking as a robust method for generating adaptable hydrogels with a range of biologically relevant mechanical and chemical properties that are varied on demand.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin R Nelson
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
- BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
| | - Bruce E Kirkpatrick
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
- BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Connor E Miksch
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
- BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
| | - Matthew D Davidson
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
- BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
| | - Nathaniel P Skillin
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
- BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Grace K Hach
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
- BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
| | - Alex Khang
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
- BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
| | - Sydney N Hummel
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
| | - Benjamin D Fairbanks
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
| | - Jason A Burdick
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
- BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
| | - Christopher N Bowman
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
- Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
| | - Kristi S Anseth
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
- BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
- Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
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8
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Yavitt FM, Kirkpatrick BE, Blatchley MR, Speckl KF, Mohagheghian E, Moldovan R, Wang N, Dempsey PJ, Anseth KS. In situ modulation of intestinal organoid epithelial curvature through photoinduced viscoelasticity directs crypt morphogenesis. Sci Adv 2023; 9:eadd5668. [PMID: 36662859 PMCID: PMC9858500 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.add5668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Spatiotemporally coordinated transformations in epithelial curvature are necessary to generate crypt-villus structures during intestinal development. However, the temporal regulation of mechanotransduction pathways that drive crypt morphogenesis remains understudied. Intestinal organoids have proven useful to study crypt morphogenesis in vitro, yet the reliance on static culture scaffolds limits the ability to assess the temporal effects of changing curvature. Here, a photoinduced hydrogel cross-link exchange reaction is used to spatiotemporally alter epithelial curvature and study how dynamic changes in curvature influence mechanotransduction pathways to instruct crypt morphogenesis. Photopatterned curvature increased membrane tension and depolarization, which was required for subsequent nuclear localization of yes-associated protein 1 (YAP) observed 24 hours following curvature change. Curvature-directed crypt morphogenesis only occurred following a delay in the induction of differentiation that coincided with the delay in spatially restricted YAP localization, indicating that dynamic changes in curvature initiate epithelial curvature-dependent mechanotransduction pathways that temporally regulate crypt morphogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- F. Max Yavitt
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80309, USA
- BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80309, USA
| | - Bruce E. Kirkpatrick
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80309, USA
- BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80309, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Michael R. Blatchley
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80309, USA
- BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80309, USA
| | - Kelly F. Speckl
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80309, USA
- BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80309, USA
| | - Erfan Mohagheghian
- Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering, The Grainger College of Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Radu Moldovan
- Advanced Light Microscopy Core Facility, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Ning Wang
- Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering, The Grainger College of Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Peter J. Dempsey
- Section of Developmental Biology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado, Denver, CO 80204, USA
| | - Kristi S. Anseth
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80309, USA
- BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80309, USA
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9
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Schroeder ME, Batan D, Gonzalez Rodriguez A, Speckl KF, Peters DK, Kirkpatrick BE, Hach GK, Walker CJ, Grim JC, Aguado BA, Weiss RM, Anseth KS. Osteopontin activity modulates sex-specific calcification in engineered valve tissue mimics. Bioeng Transl Med 2023; 8:e10358. [PMID: 36684107 PMCID: PMC9842038 DOI: 10.1002/btm2.10358] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Patients with aortic valve stenosis (AVS) have sexually dimorphic phenotypes in their valve tissue, where male valvular tissue adopts a calcified phenotype and female tissue becomes more fibrotic. The molecular mechanisms that regulate sex-specific calcification in valvular tissue remain poorly understood. Here, we explored the role of osteopontin (OPN), a pro-fibrotic but anti-calcific bone sialoprotein, in regulating the calcification of female aortic valve tissue. Recognizing that OPN mediates calcification processes, we hypothesized that aortic valvular interstitial cells (VICs) in female tissue have reduced expression of osteogenic markers in the presence of elevated OPN relative to male VICs. Human female valve leaflets displayed reduced and smaller microcalcifications, but increased OPN expression relative to male leaflets. To understand how OPN expression contributes to observed sex dimorphisms in valve tissue, we employed enzymatically degradable hydrogels as a 3D cell culture platform to recapitulate male or female VIC interactions with the extracellular matrix. Using this system, we recapitulated sex differences observed in human tissue, specifically demonstrating that female VICs exposed to calcifying medium have smaller mineral deposits within the hydrogel relative to male VICs. We identified a change in OPN dynamics in female VICs in the presence of calcification stimuli, where OPN deposition localized from the extracellular matrix to perinuclear regions. Additionally, exogenously delivered endothelin-1 to encapsulated VICs increased OPN gene expression in male cells, which resulted in reduced calcification. Collectively, our results suggest that increased OPN in female valve tissue may play a sex-specific role in mitigating mineralization during AVS progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan E. Schroeder
- Department of Chemical and Biological EngineeringUniversity of Colorado BoulderBoulderColoradoUSA
- The BioFrontiers InstituteUniversity of Colorado BoulderBoulderColoradoUSA
| | - Dilara Batan
- The BioFrontiers InstituteUniversity of Colorado BoulderBoulderColoradoUSA
- Department of BiochemistryUniversity of Colorado BoulderBoulderColoradoUSA
| | - Andrea Gonzalez Rodriguez
- Department of Chemical and Biological EngineeringUniversity of Colorado BoulderBoulderColoradoUSA
- The BioFrontiers InstituteUniversity of Colorado BoulderBoulderColoradoUSA
| | - Kelly F. Speckl
- Department of Chemical and Biological EngineeringUniversity of Colorado BoulderBoulderColoradoUSA
- The BioFrontiers InstituteUniversity of Colorado BoulderBoulderColoradoUSA
| | - Douglas K. Peters
- The BioFrontiers InstituteUniversity of Colorado BoulderBoulderColoradoUSA
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental BiologyUniversity of Colorado BoulderBoulderColoradoUSA
| | - Bruce E. Kirkpatrick
- Department of Chemical and Biological EngineeringUniversity of Colorado BoulderBoulderColoradoUSA
- The BioFrontiers InstituteUniversity of Colorado BoulderBoulderColoradoUSA
- Medical Scientist Training ProgramUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical CampusAuroraColoradoUSA
| | - Grace K. Hach
- Department of Chemical and Biological EngineeringUniversity of Colorado BoulderBoulderColoradoUSA
- The BioFrontiers InstituteUniversity of Colorado BoulderBoulderColoradoUSA
| | - Cierra J. Walker
- The BioFrontiers InstituteUniversity of Colorado BoulderBoulderColoradoUSA
- Materials Science and Engineering ProgramUniversity of Colorado BoulderBoulderColoradoUSA
| | - Joseph C. Grim
- Department of Chemical and Biological EngineeringUniversity of Colorado BoulderBoulderColoradoUSA
- The BioFrontiers InstituteUniversity of Colorado BoulderBoulderColoradoUSA
| | - Brian A. Aguado
- Department of Chemical and Biological EngineeringUniversity of Colorado BoulderBoulderColoradoUSA
- The BioFrontiers InstituteUniversity of Colorado BoulderBoulderColoradoUSA
- Department of BioengineeringUniversity of California San DiegoLa JollaCaliforniaUSA
- Sanford Consortium for Regenerative MedicineLa JollaCaliforniaUSA
| | - Robert M. Weiss
- Department of Internal MedicineUniversity of IowaIowa CityIowaUSA
| | - Kristi S. Anseth
- Department of Chemical and Biological EngineeringUniversity of Colorado BoulderBoulderColoradoUSA
- The BioFrontiers InstituteUniversity of Colorado BoulderBoulderColoradoUSA
- Materials Science and Engineering ProgramUniversity of Colorado BoulderBoulderColoradoUSA
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10
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Hebner TS, Kirkpatrick BE, Anseth KS, Bowman CN, White TJ. Surface-Enforced Alignment of Reprogrammable Liquid Crystalline Elastomers. Adv Sci (Weinh) 2022; 9:e2204003. [PMID: 35988144 PMCID: PMC9561760 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202204003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Liquid crystalline elastomers (LCEs) are stimuli-responsive materials capable of undergoing large deformations. The thermomechanical response of LCEs is attributable to the coupling of polymer network properties and disruption of order between liquid crystalline mesogens. Complex deformations have been realized in LCEs by either programming the nematic director via surface-enforced alignment or localized mechanical deformation in materials incorporating dynamic covalent chemistries. Here, the preparation of LCEs via thiol-Michael addition reaction is reported that are amenable to surface-enforced alignment. Afforded by the thiol-Michael addition reaction, dynamic covalent bonds are uniquely incorporated in chemistries subject to surface-enforce alignment. Accordingly, LCEs prepared with complex director profiles are able to be programmed and reprogrammed by (re)activating the dynamic covalent chemistry to realize distinctive shape transformations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tayler S. Hebner
- Department of Chemical and Biological EngineeringUniversity of ColoradoBoulderCO80303USA
| | - Bruce E. Kirkpatrick
- Department of Chemical and Biological EngineeringUniversity of ColoradoBoulderCO80303USA
- Medical Scientist Training ProgramUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical CampusAuroraCO80045USA
| | - Kristi S. Anseth
- Department of Chemical and Biological EngineeringUniversity of ColoradoBoulderCO80303USA
- Materials Science and Engineering ProgramUniversity of ColoradoBoulderCO80303USA
| | - Christopher N. Bowman
- Department of Chemical and Biological EngineeringUniversity of ColoradoBoulderCO80303USA
- Materials Science and Engineering ProgramUniversity of ColoradoBoulderCO80303USA
| | - Timothy J. White
- Department of Chemical and Biological EngineeringUniversity of ColoradoBoulderCO80303USA
- Materials Science and Engineering ProgramUniversity of ColoradoBoulderCO80303USA
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11
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Miksch CE, Skillin NP, Kirkpatrick BE, Hach GK, Rao VV, White TJ, Anseth KS. 4D Printing of Extrudable and Degradable Poly(Ethylene Glycol) Microgel Scaffolds for Multidimensional Cell Culture. Small 2022; 18:e2200951. [PMID: 35732614 PMCID: PMC9463109 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202200951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [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: 02/13/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Granular synthetic hydrogels are useful bioinks for their compatibility with a variety of chemistries, affording printable, stimuli-responsive scaffolds with programmable structure and function. Additive manufacturing of microscale hydrogels, or microgels, allows for the fabrication of large cellularized constructs with percolating interstitial space, providing a platform for tissue engineering at length scales that are inaccessible by bulk encapsulation where transport of media and other biological factors are limited by scaffold density. Herein, synthetic microgels with varying degrees of degradability are prepared with diameters on the order of hundreds of microns by submerged electrospray and UV photopolymerization. Porous microgel scaffolds are assembled by particle jamming and extrusion printing, and semi-orthogonal chemical cues are utilized to tune the void fraction in printed scaffolds in a logic-gated manner. Scaffolds with different void fractions are easily cellularized post printing and microgels can be directly annealed into cell-laden structures. Finally, high-throughput direct encapsulation of cells within printable microgels is demonstrated, enabling large-scale 3D culture in a macroporous biomaterial. This approach provides unprecedented spatiotemporal control over the properties of printed microporous annealed particle scaffolds for 2.5D and 3D tissue culture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Connor E Miksch
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
- The BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
| | - Nathaniel P Skillin
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
- The BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Bruce E Kirkpatrick
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
- The BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Grace K Hach
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
| | - Varsha V Rao
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
- The BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
| | - Timothy J White
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
| | - Kristi S Anseth
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
- The BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
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12
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Macdougall LJ, Hoffman TE, Kirkpatrick BE, Fairbanks BD, Bowman CN, Spencer SL, Anseth KS. Intracellular Crowding by Bio-Orthogonal Hydrogel Formation Induces Reversible Molecular Stasis. Adv Mater 2022; 34:e2202882. [PMID: 35671709 PMCID: PMC9377388 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202202882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [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: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
To survive extreme conditions, certain animals enter a reversible protective stasis through vitrification of the cytosol by polymeric molecules such as proteins and polysaccharides. In this work, synthetic gelation of the cytosol in living cells is used to induce reversible molecular stasis. Through the sequential lipofectamine-mediated transfection of complementary poly(ethylene glycol) macromers into mammalian cells, intracellular crosslinking occurs through bio-orthogonal strain-promoted azide-alkyne cycloaddition click reactions. This achieves efficient polymer uptake with minimal cell death (99% viable). Intracellular crosslinking decreases DNA replication and protein synthesis, and increases the quiescent population by 2.5-fold. Real-time tracking of single cells containing intracellular crosslinked polymers identifies increases in intermitotic time (15 h vs 19 h) and decreases in motility (30 µm h-1 vs 15 µm h-1 ). The cytosol viscosity increases threefold after intracellular crosslinking and results in disordered cytoskeletal structure in addition to the disruption of cellular coordination in a scratch assay. By incorporating photodegradable nitrobenzyl moieties into the polymer backbone, the effects of intracellular crosslinking are reversed upon exposure to light, thereby restoring proliferation (80% phospho-Rb+ cells), protein translation, and migration. Reversible intracellular crosslinking provides a novel method for dynamic manipulation of intracellular mechanics, altering essential processes that determine cellular function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura J Macdougall
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
- The BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
| | - Timothy E Hoffman
- The BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
| | - Bruce E Kirkpatrick
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
- The BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Benjamin D Fairbanks
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
- Material Science and Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
| | - Christopher N Bowman
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
- The BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
- Material Science and Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
| | - Sabrina L Spencer
- The BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
| | - Kristi S Anseth
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
- The BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
- Material Science and Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
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13
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Borelli AN, Young MW, Kirkpatrick BE, Jaeschke MW, Mellett S, Porter S, Blatchley MR, Rao VV, Sridhar BV, Anseth KS. Stress Relaxation and Composition of Hydrazone‐Crosslinked Hybrid Biopolymer‐Synthetic Hydrogels Determine Spreading and Secretory Properties of MSCs (Adv. Healthcare Mater. 14/2022). Adv Healthc Mater 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202270082] [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: 11/08/2022]
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14
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Rao VV, Wechsler ME, Cravens E, Wojda SJ, Caldwell AS, Kirkpatrick BE, Donahue SW, Anseth KS. Granular PEG hydrogels mediate osteoporotic MSC clustering via N-cadherin influencing the pro-resorptive bias of their secretory profile. Acta Biomater 2022; 145:77-87. [PMID: 35460910 PMCID: PMC9133190 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2022.04.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [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: 12/10/2021] [Revised: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Postmenopausal osteoporosis results from a pro-resorptive bone environment, which decreases bone mineral density causing increased fracture risk. Bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) secrete factors involved in bone homeostasis, but osteoporosis mediated changes to their secretions remain understudied. Herein, we examined the secretome of MSCs isolated from ovariectomized rats (OVX rMSCs), a model of post-menopausal osteoporosis, as a function of cell-cell interactions. Specifically, we controlled clustering of OVX and SHAM rMSCs by assembling them in granular hydrogels synthesized from poly(ethylene glycol) microgels with average diameters of ∼10, 100, and 200 µm. We directed both the sizes of rMSC clusters (single cells to ∼30 cells/cluster) and the percentages of cells within clusters (∼20-90%) by controlling the scaffold pore dimensions. Large clusters of OVX rMSCs had a pro-resorptive secretory profile, with increased concentrations of Activin A, CXCL1, CX3CL1, MCP-1, TIMP-1, and TNF-ɑ, compared to SHAM rMSCs. As this pro-resorptive bias was only observed in large cell clusters, we characterized the expression of several cadherins, mediators of cell-cell contacts. N-cadherin expression was elevated (∼4-fold) in OVX relative to SHAM rMSCs, in both cell clusters and single cells. Finally, TIMP-1 and MCP-1 secretion was only decreased in large cell clusters of OVX rMSCs when N-cadherin interactions were blocked, highlighting the dependence of OVX rMSC secretion of pro-resorptive cytokines on N-cadherin mediated cell-cell contacts. Further elucidation of the N-cadherin mediated osteoporotic MSC secretome may have implications for developing therapies for postmenopausal osteoporosis. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Postmenopausal osteoporosis is a prevalent bone disorder that affects tens of millions of women worldwide. This disease is characterized by severe bone loss resulting from a pro-resorptive bone marrow environment, where the rates of bone resorption outpace the rates of bone deposition. The paracrine factors secreted by bone marrow MSCs can influence cell types responsible for bone homeostasis, but the osteoporosis-mediated changes to MSC secretory properties remains understudied. In this study, we used PEG-based porous granular scaffolds to study the influence of cell clustering on the secretory properties of osteoporotic MSCs. We observed increased secretion of several pro-resorptive factors by osteoporotic MSCs in large clusters. Further, we explored the dependence of this altered secretion profile on N-cadherin mediated cell-cell contacts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Varsha V Rao
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado - Boulder, 3415 Colorado Avenue, Boulder, CO 80303, United States; BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado - Boulder, 3415 Colorado Avenue, Boulder, CO 80303, United States
| | - Marissa E Wechsler
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Chemical Engineering, University of Texas San Antonio, One UTSA Circle, San Antonio, TX 78249, United States
| | - Emily Cravens
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 240 Thatcher Road, Amherst, MA 01003, United States
| | - Samantha J Wojda
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 240 Thatcher Road, Amherst, MA 01003, United States
| | - Alexander S Caldwell
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado - Boulder, 3415 Colorado Avenue, Boulder, CO 80303, United States; BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado - Boulder, 3415 Colorado Avenue, Boulder, CO 80303, United States
| | - Bruce E Kirkpatrick
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado - Boulder, 3415 Colorado Avenue, Boulder, CO 80303, United States; BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado - Boulder, 3415 Colorado Avenue, Boulder, CO 80303, United States; Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 13001 East 17th Aurora, CO 80045, United States
| | - Seth W Donahue
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 240 Thatcher Road, Amherst, MA 01003, United States
| | - Kristi S Anseth
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado - Boulder, 3415 Colorado Avenue, Boulder, CO 80303, United States; BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado - Boulder, 3415 Colorado Avenue, Boulder, CO 80303, United States.
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15
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Borelli AN, Young MW, Kirkpatrick BE, Jaeschke MW, Mellett S, Porter S, Blatchley MR, Rao VV, Sridhar BV, Anseth KS. Stress Relaxation and Composition of Hydrazone-Crosslinked Hybrid Biopolymer-Synthetic Hydrogels Determine Spreading and Secretory Properties of MSCs. Adv Healthc Mater 2022; 11:e2200393. [PMID: 35575970 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202200393] [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: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The extracellular matrix plays a critical role in mechanosensing and thereby influences the secretory properties of bone-marrow-derived mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs). As a result, interest has grown in the development of biomaterials with tunable properties for the expansion and delivery of MSCs that are used in cell-based therapies. Herein, stress-relaxing hydrogels are synthesized as hybrid networks containing both biopolymer and synthetic macromer components. Hyaluronic acid is functionalized with either aldehyde or hydrazide groups to form covalent adaptable hydrazone networks, which are stabilized by poly(ethylene glycol) functionalized with bicyclononyne and heterobifunctional small molecule crosslinkers containing azide and benzaldehyde moieties. Tuning the composition of these gels allows for controlled variation in the characteristic timescale for stress relaxation and the amount of stress relaxed. Over this compositional space, MSCs are observed to spread in formulations with higher degrees of adaptability, with aspect ratios of 1.60 ± 0.18, and YAP nuclear:cytoplasm ratios of 6.5 ± 1.3. Finally, a maximum MSC pericellular protein thickness of 1.45 ± 0.38 µm occurred in highly stress-relaxing gels, compared to 1.05 ± 0.25 µm in non-adaptable controls. Collectively, this study contributes a new understanding of the role of compositionally defined stress relaxation on MSCs mechanosensing and secretion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra N. Borelli
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering University of Colorado Boulder Boulder CO 80303 USA
- The BioFrontiers Institute University of Colorado Boulder Boulder CO 80303 USA
| | - Mark W. Young
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering University of Colorado Boulder Boulder CO 80303 USA
- The BioFrontiers Institute University of Colorado Boulder Boulder CO 80303 USA
| | - Bruce E. Kirkpatrick
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering University of Colorado Boulder Boulder CO 80303 USA
- The BioFrontiers Institute University of Colorado Boulder Boulder CO 80303 USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus Aurora CO 80045 USA
| | - Matthew W. Jaeschke
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering University of Colorado Boulder Boulder CO 80303 USA
- The BioFrontiers Institute University of Colorado Boulder Boulder CO 80303 USA
| | - Sarah Mellett
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering University of Colorado Boulder Boulder CO 80303 USA
| | - Seth Porter
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering University of Colorado Boulder Boulder CO 80303 USA
| | - Michael R. Blatchley
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering University of Colorado Boulder Boulder CO 80303 USA
- The BioFrontiers Institute University of Colorado Boulder Boulder CO 80303 USA
| | - Varsha V. Rao
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering University of Colorado Boulder Boulder CO 80303 USA
- The BioFrontiers Institute University of Colorado Boulder Boulder CO 80303 USA
| | - Balaji V. Sridhar
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation University of Colorado Aurora CO 80231 USA
| | - Kristi S. Anseth
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering University of Colorado Boulder Boulder CO 80303 USA
- The BioFrontiers Institute University of Colorado Boulder Boulder CO 80303 USA
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16
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Yavitt FM, Kirkpatrick BE, Blatchley MR, Anseth KS. 4D Materials with Photoadaptable Properties Instruct and Enhance Intestinal Organoid Development. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2022; 8:4634-4638. [PMID: 35298149 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.1c01450] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Intestinal organoids are self-organized tissue constructs, grown in vitro, that resemble the structure and function of the intestine and are often considered promising as a prospective platform for drug testing and disease modeling. Organoid development in vitro is typically instructed by exogenous cues delivered from the media, but cellular responses also depend on properties of the surrounding microenvironmental niche, such as mechanical stiffness and extracellular matrix (ECM) ligands. In recent years, synthetic hydrogel platforms have been engineered to resemble the in vivo niche, with the goal of generating physiologically relevant environments that can promote mature and reproducible organoid development. However, a few of these approaches consider the importance of intestinal organoid morphology or how morphology changes during development, as cues that may dictate organoid functionality. For example, intestinal organoids grown in vitro often lack the physical boundary conditions found in vivo that are responsible for shaping a collection of cells into developmentally relevant morphologies, resulting in organoids that often differ in structure and cellular organization from the parent organ. This disconnect relates, in part, to a lack of appropriate adaptable and programmable materials for cell culture, especially those that enable control over colony growth and differentiation in space and time (i.e., 4D materials). We posit that the future of organoid culture platforms may benefit from advances in photoadaptable chemistries and integration into biomaterials scaffolds, thereby allowing greater user-directed control over both the macro- and microscale material properties. In this way, synthetic materials can begin to better replicate changes in the ECM during development or regeneration in vivo. Recapitulation of cellular and tissue morphological changes, along with an appreciation for the appropriate developmental time scales, should help instruct the next generation of organoid models to facilitate predictable outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bruce E Kirkpatrick
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado 80045, United States
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17
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Soars SM, Kirkpatrick BE, Fairbanks BD, Kamps JT, Anseth KS, Bowman CN. Synthesis, Selective Decoration, and Photocrosslinking of
Self‐Immolative
Poly(Thioester)‐
PEG
Hydrogels. POLYM INT 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/pi.6388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Shafer M. Soars
- Department of Chemistry University of Colorado Boulder Boulder Colorado 80303 United States
| | - Bruce E. Kirkpatrick
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering University of Colorado Boulder Boulder Colorado 80303 United States
- The BioFrontiers Institute University of Colorado Boulder Boulder Colorado 80303 United States
- Medical Scientist Training Program, School of Medicine University of Colorado Aurora Colorado 80045 United States
| | - Benjamin D. Fairbanks
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering University of Colorado Boulder Boulder Colorado 80303 United States
| | - Joshua T. Kamps
- Department of Chemistry University of Colorado Boulder Boulder Colorado 80303 United States
| | - Kristi S. Anseth
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering University of Colorado Boulder Boulder Colorado 80303 United States
- The BioFrontiers Institute University of Colorado Boulder Boulder Colorado 80303 United States
| | - Christopher N. Bowman
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering University of Colorado Boulder Boulder Colorado 80303 United States
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18
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Abstract
At its basic conceptualization, photoclick chemistry embodies a collection of click reactions that are performed via the application of light. The emergence of this concept has had diverse impact over a broad range of chemical and biological research due to the spatiotemporal control, high selectivity, and excellent product yields afforded by the combination of light and click chemistry. While the reactions designated as "photoclick" have many important features in common, each has its own particular combination of advantages and shortcomings. A more extensive realization of the potential of this chemistry requires a broader understanding of the physical and chemical characteristics of the specific reactions. This review discusses the features of the most frequently employed photoclick reactions reported in the literature: photomediated azide-alkyne cycloadditions, other 1,3-dipolarcycloadditions, Diels-Alder and inverse electron demand Diels-Alder additions, radical alternating addition chain transfer additions, and nucleophilic additions. Applications of these reactions in a variety of chemical syntheses, materials chemistry, and biological contexts are surveyed, with particular attention paid to the respective strengths and limitations of each reaction and how that reaction benefits from its combination with light. Finally, challenges to broader employment of these reactions are discussed, along with strategies and opportunities to mitigate such obstacles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin D Fairbanks
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado 80303, United States
| | - Laura J Macdougall
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado 80303, United States
| | - Sudheendran Mavila
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado 80303, United States
| | - Jasmine Sinha
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado 80303, United States
| | - Bruce E Kirkpatrick
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado 80303, United States
- The BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado 80303, United States
- Medical Scientist Training Program, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, Coorado 80045, United States
| | - Kristi S Anseth
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado 80303, United States
- The BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado 80303, United States
| | - Christopher N Bowman
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado 80303, United States
- Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado 80303, United States
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19
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Podgórski M, Fairbanks BD, Kirkpatrick BE, McBride M, Martinez A, Dobson A, Bongiardina NJ, Bowman CN. Toward Stimuli-Responsive Dynamic Thermosets through Continuous Development and Improvements in Covalent Adaptable Networks (CANs). Adv Mater 2020; 32:e1906876. [PMID: 32057157 DOI: 10.1002/adma.201906876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 144] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2019] [Revised: 11/18/2019] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Covalent adaptable networks (CANs), unlike typical thermosets or other covalently crosslinked networks, possess a unique, often dormant ability to activate one or more forms of stimuli-responsive, dynamic covalent chemistries as a means to transition their behavior from that of a viscoelastic solid to a material with fluid-like plastic flow. Upon application of a stimulus, such as light or other irradiation, temperature, or even a distinct chemical signal, the CAN responds by transforming to a state of temporal plasticity through activation of either reversible addition or reversible bond exchange, either of which allows the material to essentially re-equilibrate to an altered set of conditions that are distinct from those in which the original covalently crosslinked network is formed, often simultaneously enabling a new and distinct shape, function, and characteristics. As such, CANs span the divide between thermosets and thermoplastics, thus offering unprecedented possibilities for innovation in polymer and materials science. Without attempting to comprehensively review the literature, recent developments in CANs are discussed here with an emphasis on the most effective dynamic chemistries that render these materials to be stimuli responsive, enabling features that make CANs more broadly applicable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maciej Podgórski
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado, UCB 596, Boulder, CO, 80309, USA
- Department of Polymer Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Maria Curia-Sklodowska University, pl. Marii Curie-Sklodowskiej 5, Lublin, 20-031, Poland
| | - Benjamin D Fairbanks
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado, UCB 596, Boulder, CO, 80309, USA
| | - Bruce E Kirkpatrick
- Medical Scientist Training Program, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Matthew McBride
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado, UCB 596, Boulder, CO, 80309, USA
| | - Alina Martinez
- Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, 80309, USA
| | - Adam Dobson
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado, UCB 596, Boulder, CO, 80309, USA
| | - Nicholas J Bongiardina
- Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, 80309, USA
| | - Christopher N Bowman
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado, UCB 596, Boulder, CO, 80309, USA
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