Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Oksana Y. Dudaryeva, Aurelia Bucciarelli, Giovanni Bovone, Florian Huwyler, Shibashish Jaydev, Nicolas Broguiere, Marwa al-Bayati, Marco Lutolf, Mark W. Tibbitt
Summary: The biophysical properties of the cellular microenvironment, such as stiffness and geometry, have been shown to influence cell function, with recent findings implicating 3D confinement as a significant regulator of cell behavior. This study demonstrates that the extent of 3D confinement affects cell viability and proliferation, leading to changes in nuclear morphology and YES-associated protein (YAP) localization. The effects of confinement on cell behavior scale with the degree of 3D confinement, highlighting the importance of 3D confinement as a regulator of cell function.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Iriczalli Cruz-Maya, Vincenzo Guarino
Summary: In this study, a method for fabricating 3D scaffolds using bicomponent microgels made of sodium alginate and gelatin was proposed. The morphology and composition of the microgels, as well as the effect of gelatin on cell biological response, were investigated through optical and scanning electron microscopy and chemical analysis. The results suggest that alginate/gelatin microgel assemblies are effective 3D scaffolds capable of supporting in vitro cell functions.
Article
Ecology
Lukas Drag, Ryan C. Burner, Jorg G. Stephan, Tone Birkemoe, Inken Doerfler, Martin M. Gossner, Paul Magdon, Otso Ovaskainen, Maria Potterf, Peter Schall, Tord Snall, Anne Sverdrup-Thygeson, Wolfgang Weisser, Joerg Mueller
Summary: Climate, topography, and forest structure play important roles in shaping local species communities, but little is known about how environmental characteristics affect the functional traits of wood-living beetles involved in wood recycling. In this study, we used ecological and morphological traits of saproxylic beetles and airborne laser scanning data to investigate the factors driving the distributions of over 230 species in European temperate forests. We found that elevation and the proportion of conifers were important factors determining species occurrences, while habitat heterogeneity and forest complexity had less influence. Ecological traits, such as canopy niche, wood decay niche, and host preference, were found to be more important in shaping species responses to forest structure and environmental variation, while morphological traits showed little association with environmental characteristics. These findings highlight the potential impacts of climate and tree species composition changes on saproxylic beetle communities, and the importance of ecological traits in predicting species responses to future environmental change.
FUNCTIONAL ECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Giada Loi, Franca Scocozza, Flaminia Aliberti, Lorenza Rinvenuto, Gianluca Cidonio, Nicola Marchesi, Laura Benedetti, Gabriele Ceccarelli, Michele Conti
Summary: Cells are influenced by various biomechanical aspects of their microenvironment, such as substrate geometry. The effect of substrate geometry on muscle cell behavior, particularly in terms of cell proliferation, is known. However, its influence on the myogenic differentiation process is not clear and requires further investigation.
Article
Oncology
Vaibhav Mahajan, Timon Beck, Paulina Gregorczyk, Andre Ruland, Simon Alberti, Jochen Guck, Carsten Werner, Raimund Schluessler, Anna Verena Taubenberger
Summary: The study found that tumor spheroids grown in stiffer hydrogels exhibit increased stiffness and are modulated by various microenvironment properties. Tumor spheroids generated within degradable stiff hydrogels showed higher stiffness and lower invasion compared to those in compliant hydrogels.
Article
Cell & Tissue Engineering
Stanley Chun Ming Wu, Manyu Zhu, Stanley C. C. Chik, Maxwell Kwok, Asif Javed, Laalaa Law, Shing Chan, Kenneth R. R. Boheler, Yin Ping Liu, Godfrey Chi Fung Chan, Ellen Ngar-Yun Poon
Summary: The study found that human mesenchymal stromal cells (hMSCs) derived from adipose tissue showed better protective effects against acute graft-versus-host disease (aGvHD). Additionally, the upregulation of CD55 through the use of certain drugs can suppress complement activation and improve the survival of hMSCs.
STEM CELL RESEARCH & THERAPY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Alexandros Afthinos, Kaustav Bera, Junjie Chen, Altug Ozcelikkale, Alice Amitrano, Mohammad Ikbal Choudhury, Randy Huang, Pavlos Pachidis, Panagiotis Mistriotis, Yun Chen, Konstantinos Konstantopoulos
Summary: In this study, we developed polyacrylamide-based microchannels with physiological stiffness and prescribed dimensions for high-throughput analysis of cell migration. We found a biphasic dependence of cell speed on confinement and stiffness. By utilizing novel four-walled microchannels, we revealed the distinct contributions of apicolateral and basal microchannel wall stiffness to confined and unconfined migration. We also innovated three-dimensional traction force measurements around spatially confining cells at subcellular resolution by tracking nanobeads embedded within the channel walls.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Jana Scheffold, Per Bruheim, Joachim Sebastian Kjesbu, Mi Jang
Summary: Due to climate change crisis and environmental impacts, the production of artificial animal protein using in vitro cell culture technology is proposed as an alternative. However, serum-free microcarrier-based culture systems are urgently needed for scalability. This study established an edible alginate microcapsules culture system for serum-free differentiation of C2C12 cells and compared metabolite profiles between monolayer and alginate microcapsule culture systems.
FRONTIERS IN NUTRITION
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xuezhi Dai, Xiaolian Qiang, Christian Hils, Holger Schmalz, Andre H. Groschel
Summary: Self-assembly of block copolymers in 3D confinement of emulsion droplets can lead to a range of microparticles with frustrated inner structure. By confining a linear ABC triblock terpolymer with a crystallizable middle block in oil-in-water emulsions, different microparticle morphologies were observed, depending on the evaporation protocol and polymer concentration. These findings provide insights into the morphological behavior of semicrystalline block copolymers in 3D soft confinement and suggest alternative routes to structure multicompartment microparticles.
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Peng -Da Li, Yu-Fei Wu
Summary: The damage evolution of concrete under multiple stress states is complex, and understanding the internal cracking evolution of concrete is crucial for understanding its failure mechanism. This study used X-ray computed tomography (X-CT) to examine the internal damage evolution of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) confined concrete under various axial load levels. The results showed crack growth, shear banding, and failure localization under different triaxial stress states. Image segmentation was used to quantify the development of damage due to cracking, and digital volumetric correlation technique (DVC) was employed to analyze strain distribution in the confined concrete. This study also provides valuable data for the development of concrete mechanics, failure criteria, and computational modeling of concrete structures under complex stress states.
CEMENT & CONCRETE COMPOSITES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Wen-Hao Lv, Qing Cao, Shi-Yu Song, Ya-Chuan Liang, Rui Zhou, Kai-Kai Liu, Chong-Xin Shan
Summary: The enhanced phosphorescence of carbon nanodots (CNDs) is demonstrated using a double confinement strategy with silica and epoxy resin as the confinement layers. The multi-confined CNDs exhibit an enhanced phosphorescence quantum yield of up to 16.4% and a long emission lifetime of up to 1.44 s. The plasticity of epoxy resin allows for easy design of 3D artworks with long emission lifetimes in various shapes. The efficient and eco-friendly phosphorescent CNDs may attract significant interest in the academic community and markets.
Article
Ecology
Camila Leandro, Mirkka Jones, William Perrin, Pierre Jay-Robert, Otso Ovaskainen
Summary: Mediterranean landscapes in Europe have recently experienced changes in biodiversity, with human activities and habitat fragmentation affecting dung beetles and their responses to landscape composition being rarely investigated.
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Zhaopeng Li, Kunjie Zhu, Pei Liu, Lifang Jiao
Summary: Sodium metal batteries (SMBs) are promising for large-scale energy storage, but face challenges like side reactions and dendrite growth. The 3D confinement strategy shows potential for stabilizing the Na anode. This review outlines recent progress, regulation mechanisms, and emphasizes critical challenges and new perspectives for constructing effective Na metal anodes.
ADVANCED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Guang-Zhen Jin
Summary: Upregulation of key transcription factors through physical force is a good strategy for controlling stem cell differentiation, and upregulation of the MyoD gene through cell-cell contacts can enhance the myogenic potential of cells in muscle tissue engineering.
BIOSCIENCE BIOTECHNOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Serena Calamaio, Marialaura Serzanti, Jennifer Boniotti, Annamaria Fra, Emirena Garrafa, Manuela Cominelli, Rosanna Verardi, Pietro Luigi Poliani, Silvia Dotti, Riccardo Villa, Giovanna Mazzoleni, Patrizia Dell'Era, Nathalie Steimberg
Summary: The process of developing a new drug is time-consuming and expensive, and hepatotoxicity is a major concern. Animal models have limitations due to interspecies differences, but human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) offer new possibilities for drug testing. We miniaturized the process of generating hepatic organoids using hiPSC-derived mesenchymal stem cells, hepatocytes, and endothelial cells. These organoids were cultivated in vitro using static and dynamic cultures, and could be maintained for up to 1 week. This hiPSC-derived liver organoid model could potentially replace animal testing in pharmacological and toxicological studies.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Laila A. Damiati, Monica P. Tsimbouri, Virginia-Llopis Hernandez, Vineetha Jayawarna, Mark Ginty, Peter Childs, Yinbo Xiao, Karl Burgess, Julia Wells, Mark R. Sprott, R. M. Dominic Meek, Peifeng Li, Richard O. C. Oreffo, Angela Nobbs, Gordon Ramage, Bo Su, Manuel Salmeron-Sanchez, Matthew J. Dalby
Summary: This study developed a polymer coating with nano-topographical structure to support osteospecific stem cells and prevent bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation. The experimental results showed that this coating can increase cell adhesion and osteoblast differentiation, and reduce biofilm formation.
Article
Cell Biology
Vasileios Papalazarou, James Drew, Amelie Juin, Heather J. Spence, Jamie Whitelaw, Colin Nixon, Manuel Salmeron-Sanchez, Laura M. Machesky
Summary: Pancreatic cancer is a deadly and highly metastatic disease. This study explores the influence of stiff extracellular matrix (ECM) on pancreatic cancer cell behavior and suggests that pancreatic cancer cells can be reprogrammed when exposed to a soft microenvironment. Collagen VI plays a key role in this process.
JOURNAL OF CELL SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Yinbo Xiao, Hannah Donnelly, Mark Sprott, Jiajun Luo, Vineetha Jayawarna, Leandro Lemgruber, P. Monica Tsimbouri, R. M. Dominic Meek, Manuel Salmeron-Sanchez, Matthew J. Dalby
Summary: In the field of bone tissue regenerative medicine, the use of MSC-based tissue engineering strategies combined with growth factors (GFs) and biomaterials has drawn great interest. However, the optimization of interactions between biomaterials and MSCs, as well as the efficient delivery of GFs, remains a challenge. This study demonstrates that through plasma polymerization, tissue culture plates coated with poly (ethyl acrylate) (PEA) can provide an optimal environment for MSCs, with enhanced adhesion and binding of GFs. The combination of fibronectin (FN) and vitronectin (VN) on PEA surfaces results in the formation of a heterogeneous, open ECM network, promoting MSC differentiation into osteoblasts and inducing osteogenic intracellular signaling.
MATERIALS TODAY BIO
(2022)
Review
Engineering, Biomedical
Alvaro Sanchez-Rubio, Vineetha Jayawarna, Emily Maxwell, Matthew J. Dalby, Manuel Salmeron-Sanchez
Summary: Tissue engineering aims to replicate tissues and organs for in vivo and in vitro applications. In vivo, artificial constructs using functional materials and cells are engineered to provide physiological form and function. In vitro, three-dimensional (3D) models are engineered to support drug discovery and enable understanding of fundamental biology. Recent advances in fabrication technologies have enabled compartmentalized structures with defined compositions and properties, which are crucial in creating 3D cell-laden multiphasic complex architectures. This review focuses on the advances in engineered multicompartment constructs that mimic tissue heterogeneity, highlighting the relevance of 3D bioprinting in the future of biological research and medicine.
ADVANCED HEALTHCARE MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Stylianos O. Sarrigiannidis, Oana Dobre, Alexandre Rodrigo Navarro, Matthew J. Dalby, Cristina Gonzalez-Garcia, Manuel Salmeron-Sanchez
Summary: Researchers have developed a recombinant dual affinity protein fragment that can immobilize bone morphogenic protein 2 (BMP-2) in collagen sponges, addressing the low affinity issue between BMP-2 and collagen. This technology enables osteogenesis with ultra-low doses of BMP-2 and enhances the biological activity of collagen, providing a potential pathway for clinical translation without complex chemistries or manufacturing changes.
MATERIALS TODAY BIO
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Miranda Morata-Martinez, Mark R. Sprott, Carmen M. Antolinos-Turpin, Manuel Salmeron-Sanchez, Gloria Gallego-Ferrer
Summary: Fibronectin (FN) plays a significant role in cell-material interactions for tissue repair. The spontaneous organization of FN in poly(ethyl acrylate) (PEA) and poly(buthyl acrylate) (PBA) substrates leads to exceptional bone regeneration and efficient cell differentiation. By synthesizing P(EA-co-BA) copolymers, researchers investigate the impact of intermediate surface mobility on cell differentiation. The results show that as the PBA content increases, FN mobility increases, cell adhesion strengthens, and cell differentiation decreases.
ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Hannah Donnelly, Mark R. Sprott, Anup Poudel, Paul Campsie, Peter Childs, Stuart Reid, Manuel Salmeron-Sanchez, Manus Biggs, Matthew J. Dalby
Summary: There is a clinical demand for viable bone grafts, and tissue engineering strategies using mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) to create potential bone-graft materials can help fulfill this need. However, the long culture periods and cost associated with MSC osteogenesis in a clinical setting necessitate the investigation of strategies for optimizing cell production. In this study, a piezoelectric copolymer with a fibronectin network coating is used to enhance MSC adhesion and present growth factors, and electrical stimulation is applied to investigate the MSC response.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Cristian Patino Vidal, Eliezer Velasquez, Rafael Gavara, Pilar Hernandez-Munoz, Cristina Munoz-Shuguli, Maria Jose Galotto, Carol Lopez de Dicastillo
Summary: In this study, an active biodegradable trilayer packaging system composed of different layers of materials was developed. The properties and release behavior of ethyl lauroyl arginate (LAE) in the packaging system were evaluated. The trilayer material showed improved properties compared to a single-layer material and demonstrated slow diffusion of LAE.
JOURNAL OF FOOD ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Carol Lopez-de-Dicastillo, Joaquin Gomez-Estaca, Gracia Lopez-Carballo, Rafael Gavara, Pilar Hernandez-Munoz
Summary: Biopolymers based on keratin-rich feather fibers and gliadins were blended at different ratios to develop sustainable and biodegradable films. The physical properties varied depending on the concentration of each polymeric matrix, with higher gliadin ratios resulting in lower water vapor permeability and feather fiber-based films providing better oxygen barrier properties.
Article
Polymer Science
Carol Lopez-de-Dicastillo, Gracia Lopez-Carballo, Pedro Vazquez, Florian Schwager, Alejandro Aragon-Gutierrez, Jose M. Alonso, Pilar Hernandez-Munoz, Rafael Gavara
Summary: Oxygen scavengers play an important role in active packaging systems as they prevent food deterioration caused by oxygen. However, the release of volatile organic compounds (VOC) during the oxygen scavenging reaction is a concern. In this study, a multilayer oxygen scavenger system was designed using appropriate adsorbents to reduce the VOC release. The selected adsorbents effectively decreased the concentration of VOCs released from the oxygen scavenger films.
Article
Agronomy
Raquel Villanova-Estors, Diana Alexandra Murcia-Velasco, Adriana Correa-Guimaraes, Gracia Lopez-Carballo, Pilar Hernandez-Munoz, Rafael Gavara, Luis Manuel Navas-Gracia
Summary: The use of active coatings in fresh food packaging is an innovative technique that improves the functional properties of films and reduces food waste. This study compares the environmental performance of active packaging (AP) and conventional packaging (CP) for fresh-cut products, and finds that AP has a positive impact on reducing food production and environmental effects.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Fernando Gisbert Roca, Cristina Martinez-Ramos, Sergiy Ivashchenko, Abel Garcia-Bernabe, Vicente Compan, Manuel Monleon Pradas
Summary: Electroconductive materials based on poly(lactic acid) electrospinning membranes grafted with carboxylic group functionalized carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were obtained. The PLA membranes were oxidized with sulfuric acid and subsequently grafted with CNTs, resulting in improved mechanical and conductive properties. The uniform distribution of CNTs on the PLA nanofiber surface and the elimination of the insulating barrier of PLA contributed to the enhanced functionality of the PLA-CNTs membranes for medical and industrial applications.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Katia Caamano, Gracia Lopez-Carballo, Raquel Heras-Mozos, Jana Glatz, Pilar Hernandez-Munoz, Rafael Gavara, Monica Gimenez-Marques
Summary: Two ZIF-8-based biocomposites were obtained by directly impregnating them with benzaldehyde and methyl anthranilate, resulting in fast encapsulation kinetics and high molecule payloads. These biocomposites, when incorporated in zein films, exhibited enhanced antifungal activity against Penicilium expansum compared to free molecules. They show promise as biomaterials for food preservation and packaging applications.
DALTON TRANSACTIONS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
S. Hernandez, Belen Altava, J. A. Portillo-Rodriguez, Ivan Santamaria-Holek, C. Garcia-Alcantara, Santiago Luis, Vicente Compan
Summary: The analysis of the ionic transport properties of BMIM [NTf2] in supported ionic-liquid-like phase (SILLP)-based membranes has been conducted based on experimental impedance spectroscopy measurements. The addition of an ionic liquid to the polymeric matrix containing imidazolium fragments significantly increases the conductivity. The study provides insights into how the local entropy restrictions, due to the porosity of the polymeric matrix, control the conductive process.
PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY CHEMICAL PHYSICS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jewel Ann Maria Xavier, Isabel Fuentes, Miquel Nuez-Martinez, Zsolt Kelemen, Andreu Andrio, Clara Vinas, Vicente Compan, Francesc Teixidor
Summary: By intimately blending PEDOT and metallacarboranes, a dual redox reversible material is formed, which lowers the over-potential for the oxygen evolution reaction and shows promise for practical applications.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY A
(2022)
