Article
Cell & Tissue Engineering
Beatrice Xuan Ho, Hongbing Yu, Jeremy Kah Sheng Pang, Jin-Hui Hor, Lee Chuen Liew, Piotr Szyniarowski, Christina Ying Yan Lim, Omer An, Henry He Yang, Colin L. Stewart, Woon Khiong Chan, Shi-Yan Ng, Boon-Seng Soh
Summary: The study found that treatment with IFN-g can promote the maturation of human pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes, enhancing their electrophysiological characteristics and sarcomeric structure, and this effect can be nullified with a JAK-STAT pathway inhibitor.
Article
Cell & Tissue Engineering
Xianji Liu, Rui Zhao, Qianqian Ding, Xiaoqiang Yao, Suk Ying Tsang
Summary: TRPC7 regulates the automaticity of mESC-CMs through two mechanisms: by positively regulating the intracellular Ca2+ clock through the regulation of activities of RyR2 and SERCA, and by positively regulating the membrane clock via its influence on NCX activity. The expression level of TRPC7 affects the frequency of Ca2+ transients, local Ca2+ releases, and action potentials.
STEM CELL RESEARCH & THERAPY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Akshay Narkar, James M. Willard, Ksenia Blinova
Summary: This review focuses on recent advances in chronic cardiotoxicity assessment using cardiomyocytes differentiated from human induced pluripotent stem cells. The review summarizes studies on chronic cardiotoxicity induced by various drugs, including anticancer agents, antibiotics, anti-HCV drugs, and antidiabetic drugs. The review also highlights the use of hiPSC-CMs in investigating the chronic effects of non-pharmaceutical cardiotoxicants and the development of biomarker assays. The comprehensive investigation of long-term repeated exposure-induced effects on cardiomyocytes can provide mechanistic insights and recapitulate drug and environmental cardiotoxicity.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Elena Merotto, Piero G. Pavan, Martina Piccoli
Summary: Three-dimensional bioprinting uses cell-loaded bioinks to create living structures and has brought significant innovation to biomedicine, specifically tissue engineering. Naturally derived hydrogels, especially those obtained through decellularization of biological tissues, show promise as bioinks due to their excellent biocompatibility. However, many natural hydrogels lack the necessary mechanical properties for 3D printing. This review focuses on the bioactive and mechanical characteristics of natural hydrogels to enable efficient production of organs and tissues, with an emphasis on reinforcement techniques to improve their biomechanical properties.
Article
Cell Biology
Jingsi Yang, Nan Ding, Dandan Zhao, Yunsheng Yu, Chunlai Shao, Xuan Ni, Zhen-Ao Zhao, Zhen Li, Jianquan Chen, Zheng Ying, Miao Yu, Wei Lei, Shijun Hu
Summary: The study developed a new strategy of using EBSS treatment to mimic in vivo starvation event, promoting the maturation of hESC-CMs. Intermittent starvation through EBSS significantly enhanced structural, metabolic, and electrophysiological maturity of hESC-CMs.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Weijing Zhao, Jie Cao, Fucheng Wang, Fajuan Tian, Wenqian Zheng, Yuqian Bao, Kaiyue Zhang, Zhilin Zhang, Jiawen Yu, Jingkun Xu, Ximei Liu, Baoyang Lu
Summary: This article introduces a method of preparing stretchable, adhesive, and conductive hydrogels by pre-crosslinking Ti3C2Tx nanosheets with polyacrylic acid followed by successive direct ink writing 3D printing. The hydrogel exhibits remarkable mechanical, electrical, and adhesive properties and can be integrated with different substrates with high resolution and stability.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Kiyoshi Tadano, Shigeru Miyagawa, Maki Takeda, Yoshinari Tsukamoto, Katsuyuki Kazusa, Kazuhiko Takamatsu, Mitsuru Akashi, Yoshiki Sawa
Summary: The study found that three-dimensional cardiac tissue generated through a simple method can be used for simultaneous evaluation of drug-induced repolarization and contractility, showing good predictive performance for the effects of cardiovascular drugs.
MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Shenyang Li, Chengcheng Ding, Yonglong Guo, Yanan Zhang, Hao Wang, Xihao Sun, Jun Zhang, Zekai Cui, Jiansu Chen
Summary: The biophysical properties of PDMS promote reprogramming of corneal keratocytes into stem-like cells, as seen in the higher expression of stem cell marker genes and endogenous stemness transcription factors compared to corneal fibroblasts. Additionally, PDMS regulates various signaling pathways and mechanisms related to mechanotransduction, cellular transition, and hypoxia, highlighting its potential in facilitating cellular reprogramming.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Bill Zhao, Kehan Zhang, Christopher S. Chen, Emma Lejeune
Summary: This study introduces a computational framework, Sarc-Graph, for automatic analysis of beating hiPSC-CMs sarcomeres. The framework demonstrates good performance and introduces two novel analysis approaches: constructing spatial graphs and calculating approximate deformation gradient. This method showcases an easier way to quantitatively analyze hiPSC-CM behavior.
PLOS COMPUTATIONAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Tongtong Shi, Hanzhi Lu, Jianyong Zhu, Xiaojun Zhou, Chuanglong He, Fulun Li, Guang Yang
Summary: A multifunctional hydrogel dressing composed of keratin, protocatechuic aldehyde (PA) and iron ions was successfully fabricated, which exhibited injectability, self-healing ability, tissue adhesion, antibacterial properties and anti-inflammation effects. The incorporation of phellopterin (PP) further enhanced the anti-inflammatory properties of the hydrogel. In experiments with diabetic mice, the PP-loaded hydrogel significantly shortened inflammation duration, promoted macrophage polarization towards anti-inflammatory phenotype, and accelerated wound repair.
COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Jeong Wook Seo, Su Ryon Shin, Min-Young Lee, Jae Min Cha, Kyung Hyun Min, Sang Cheon Lee, Seon Young Shin, Hojae Bae
Summary: The newly developed HBC-MA hydrogel possesses thermo-sensitive and photo-crosslinkable properties, preventing unintended loss of the graft after subcutaneous injection in mice and significantly improving mechanical strength and stability of the graft with visible light applied beneath the skin.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Cigdem Bilici, Asena G. Tatar, Efsun Senturk, Caner Dikyol, Bahattin Koc
Summary: Recent studies have shown promising outcomes in 3D bioprinting of GelMA hydrogels with cell-laden structures for tissue engineering applications. However, the reliance on photo-induced gelation processes and the lack of alternative crosslinking methods have posed challenges. This study presents a novel approach using embedded bioprinting and bisulfite-initiated radical polymerization to form cell-laden GelMA hydrogel constructs, resulting in printed structures with high cell viability.
Article
Cell & Tissue Engineering
Yun Chang, Ya-nan Li, Rui Bai, Fujian Wu, Shuhong Ma, Amina Saleem, Siyao Zhang, Youxu Jiang, Tao Dong, Tianwei Guo, Chengwen Hang, Wen-jing Lu, Hongfeng Jiang, Feng Lan
Summary: This study established an hERG-deficient human cardiomyocyte model that exhibited QT prolongation, irregular rhythm, and sensitivity to other ion channel blockers. This model serves as a valuable tool to aid in understanding the fundamental impact of hERG dysfunction, elucidate the genotype-phenotype relationship of hERG deficiency, and facilitate drug development.
STEM CELL RESEARCH & THERAPY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Cartwright Nelson, Slesha Tuladhar, Loren Launen, Ahasan Habib
Summary: This study focuses on using rheology to maintain the shape fidelity of 3D bio-printed scaffolds with soft biomaterials, by mixing Carboxymethyl Cellulose and calcium salts into alginate to achieve shape fidelity. Various experiments and tests were conducted to identify the effectiveness of this technique, concluding that the pre-crosslinking-based rheological property controlling technique can open a new avenue for 3D bio-fabrication of scaffolds.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Bo Seul Jang, Kyoung Hwan Park, Eun Yeong Suh, Byoung-Seok Lee, Sun-Woong Kang, Kang Moo Huh
Summary: Chemically crosslinked hydrogels prepared by photocrosslinking of methacrylated HGCs demonstrated enhanced gel stability and good spheroid-forming abilities for long-term 3D cell cultures. M-HGC-coated dishes effectively generated spheroids of larger size and higher cell density depending on the crosslinking density of the M-HGCs, showing potential for widely applied in tissue engineering and drug screening. The hydrogel-coated dish system provides an effective technique to produce cell spheroids with customized sizes and densities essential for various applications.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2021)
Editorial Material
Cell & Tissue Engineering
Julien G. Roth, Michelle S. Huang, Sarah C. Heilshorn
Summary: Researchers have found that highly mobile supramolecular scaffolds can facilitate long-term culture of hiPSC-derived motor neurons, enhance maturation-related phenotypes, and recapitulate disease-related pathologies.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Mahdis Shayan, Michelle S. Huang, Renato Navarro, Gladys Chiang, Caroline Hu, Beu P. Oropeza, Patrik K. Johansson, Riley A. Suhar, Abbygail A. Foster, Bauer L. LeSavage, Maedeh Zamani, Annika Enejder, Julien G. Roth, Sarah C. Heilshorn, Ngan F. Huang
Summary: Mechanical cues from the extracellular matrix (ECM) regulate vascular endothelial cell (EC) morphology and function. The reversible DCC crosslinks in ELP-PEG hydrogels create a matrix with independently tunable stiffness and stress relaxation rate. Both stress relaxation rate and stiffness modulate endothelial behavior, and the fast-relaxing, low-stiffness hydrogels supported the highest capillary density in vivo.
JOURNAL OF BIOMEDICAL MATERIALS RESEARCH PART A
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Sarah M. Hull, Junzhe Lou, Christopher D. Lindsay, Renato S. Navarro, Betty Cai, Lucia G. Brunel, Ashley D. Westerfield, Yan Xia, Sarah C. Heilshorn
Summary: Three-dimensional bioprinting is a promising technique for creating human tissue models, and a viscoelastic bioink with reversible cross-links has been developed for this purpose. The cross-linking kinetics and network formation of the bioink are regulated using small molecule catalysts and competitors. In a breast cancer cell invasion model, the inclusion of dynamic cross-links was found to be essential for the formation of invasive protrusions. These findings demonstrate the potential of engineered, dynamic bioinks in disease modeling.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Gabriella Maria Fernandes-Cunha, Lucia G. Brunel, Alejandro Arboleda, Alyssa Manche, Youngyoon Amy Seo, Caitlin Logan, Fang Chen, Sarah C. Heilshorn, David Myung
Summary: In this study, we developed a collagen gel (PhotoCol-RB) using ultraviolet-A (UV-A) light and riboflavin to fill corneal wounds and promote corneal epithelialization. The PhotoCol-RB gels showed higher transparency and supported the proliferation of human corneal epithelial cells. They also exhibited the ability to seal corneal perforations and promote the regeneration of a multilayer epithelium. These gels have the potential to stabilize and repair deep and perforating corneal wounds.
ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Sungchul Shin, Lucia G. Brunel, Betty Cai, David Kilian, Julien G. Roth, Alexis J. Seymour, Sarah C. Heilshorn
Summary: The GUIDE-3DP approach is proposed to construct perfusable networks with precise control over branching geometries and vessel sizes. It leverages the predictable diffusion of cross-linking reaction-initiators released from sacrificial inks to achieve user-specified channel dimensions. The versatility of GUIDE-3DP to be adapted for use with diverse physicochemical cross-linking mechanisms is demonstrated by designing seven printable material systems. This platform is uniquely suited for fabricating lumenized structures with complex shapes characteristic of multiple hollow vessels throughout the body.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Julien G. Roth, Lucia G. Brunel, Michelle S. Huang, Yueming Liu, Betty Cai, Sauradeep Sinha, Fan Yang, Sergiu P. Pasca, Sungchul Shin, Sarah C. Heilshorn
Summary: The authors developed a bioprinting platform, termed SPOT, to allow the arrangement of organoids and form assembloids. This platform enables the controlled lifting, transport, and deposition of organoids, and facilitates the generation of assembloids that recapitulate key developmental processes and disease etiologies.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Narelli de Paiva Narciso, Renato S. Navarro, Aidan E. Gilchrist, Miriam L. M. Trigo, Giselle Aviles Rodriguez, Sarah C. Heilshorn
Summary: Dynamic covalent chemistry (DCC) crosslinked hydrogels with tunable mechanical properties, injectability, and self-healing abilities are formulated using recombinant biopolymers. The hydrogels' stiffness and extrudability are controlled by the degree of functionalization (DoF) and polymer molecular weight (MW). Lower MW formulations require less force for injectability, while higher DoF formulations exhibit faster self-healing. This work highlights the importance of additional parameters in designing injectable hydrogels.
ADVANCED HEALTHCARE MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Riley A. Suhar, Michelle S. Huang, Renato S. Navarro, Giselle Aviles Rodriguez, Sarah C. Heilshorn
Summary: Hydrogels with encapsulated cells have a wide range of applications in biomedicine. This study presents a protein-engineered hydrogel system that allows for the incorporation and modulation of multiple cell-instructive ligands without altering the matrix mechanics. The researchers demonstrated that the concentration of the ligands significantly affects neurite outgrowth in encapsulated embryonic dorsal root ganglion cultures.
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Alexis J. Seymour, David Kilian, Renato S. Navarro, Sarah M. Hull, Sarah C. Heilshorn
Summary: This study utilizes the modularity of microgel-based inks by combining two types of microgels to achieve tunable porosity and depth-independent cell distribution in 3D printed constructs.
BIOMATERIALS SCIENCE
(2023)
Review
Biophysics
Liam P. Dow, Toshi Parmar, M. Cristina Marchetti, Beth L. Pruitt
Summary: This article reviews the methods and results of studying how epithelial cells maintain tissue organization and integrity through mechanosignaling and response. Various in vitro approaches have been used to understand the role of mechanics in regulating epithelial tissues. The unique advantages and disadvantages of different simplified model systems are summarized to guide researchers in choosing appropriate experimental systems. In addition, in silico biophysical models informed by in vitro and in vivo observations are highlighted.
BIOPHYSICS REVIEWS
(2023)
Meeting Abstract
Cell & Tissue Engineering
M. Shayan, R. Suhar, S. Heilshorn, N. Huang
TISSUE ENGINEERING PART A
(2022)
Meeting Abstract
Cell & Tissue Engineering
Ngan Huang, Guang Yang, Cynthia Alcazar, Caroline Hu, Tatiana Zaitseva, Michael Paukshto
TISSUE ENGINEERING PART A
(2022)
Meeting Abstract
Cell & Tissue Engineering
Ngan Huang, Mahdis Shayan, Riley Suhar, Sarah C. Heilshorn
TISSUE ENGINEERING PART A
(2022)
Meeting Abstract
Cell & Tissue Engineering
Sarah Heilshorn
TISSUE ENGINEERING PART A
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Riley A. Suhar, Vanessa M. Doulames, Yueming Liu, Meghan E. Hefferon, Oscar Figueroa, Hana Buabbas, Sarah C. Heilshorn
Summary: Heart disease is the leading cause of death globally. Delivering therapeutic cargo directly into the myocardium through injection is a promising clinical intervention. Researchers have discovered that using a recombinant hydrogel composed of chemically modified hyaluronan and elastin-like protein can increase the retention of these cargos.
BIOMATERIALS SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yiping Yin, Zhe Wang, Hua Zou
Summary: This study presents a novel method for preparing dimpled polymer-silica nanocomposite particles using interfacial swelling-based seeded polymerization. The optimized conditions allow for a relatively high percentage of dimpled particles to be achieved.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Brenden D. Hoehn, Elizabeth A. Kellstedt, Marc A. Hillmyer
Summary: Porous materials with nanometer-scale pores have important applications as nanoporous membranes. In this study, ABA triblock copolymers were used as precursors to produce nanoporous polymeric membranes (NPMs) in thin film form by degrading the end blocks. Polycyclooctene (PCOE) NPMs with tunable pore sizes were successfully prepared using solvent casting technique. Oxygen plasma etching was employed to improve the surface porosity and hydrophilicity of the membranes. This study provides a straightforward method to produce tough NPMs with high porosity and hydrophilic surface properties.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Vladislav S. Petrovskii, Stepan I. Zholudev, Igor I. Potemkin
Summary: This article investigates the behavior of linear and ring polypeptide chains in aqueous solution and explores the properties of the complexes formed by these chains with oppositely charged surfactants. The results demonstrate that the complexes of linear supercharged unfolded polypeptides and the corresponding surfactants exhibit impressive adhesive properties.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Merve Cevik, Serkan Dikici
Summary: Cardiovascular diseases are a leading cause of death globally, and vascular grafts are a promising treatment option. This study focuses on tissue-engineered vascular grafts (TEVGs) using decellularized parsley stems as a potential biomaterial. The decellularized parsley stems showed suitable properties for TEVGs, providing a suitable environment for human endothelial cells to form a pseudo endothelium. This study showcases the potential of using parsley stems for TEVGs.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Gustavo A. Vasquez-Montoya, Tadej Emersic, Noe Atzin, Antonio Tavera-Vazquez, Ali Mozaffari, Rui Zhang, Orlando Guzman, Alexey Snezhko, Paul F. Nealey, Juan J. de Pablo
Summary: The optical properties of liquid crystals are typically controlled by electric fields. In this study, we investigate the effects of microfluidic flows and acoustic fields on the molecular orientation and optical response of nematic liquid crystals. We identify several previously unknown structures and explain them through calculations and simulations. These findings hold promise for the development of new systems combining sound, flow, and confinement.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Xinjun Wu, Xin Guan, Shushu Chen, Jiangpeng Jia, Chongyi Chen, Jiawei Zhang, Chuanzhuang Zhao
Summary: This research presents a novel shape memory hydrogel with a remodelable permanent shape and programmable cold-induced shape recovery behavior. The hydrogel is prepared using specific treatment methods to achieve shape fixation by heating and shape recovery by cooling. Additionally, deformable devices can be obtained by assembling hydrogel blocks with different concentrations.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Rebecca Hengsbach, Gerhard Fink, Ulrich Simon
Summary: This study examines the properties of DNA functionalized pNipmam microgels and pure pNipmam microgels at different concentrations of sodium chloride and in PBS solutions using temperature dependent H-1-NMR measurements. The results show that DNA modification affects the volume phase transition temperature and the addition of salt and PBS further enhances this effect.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ningyi Li, Junhong Li, Lijingting Qing, Shicheng Ma, Yao Li, Baohui Li
Summary: This paper investigates the self-assembly behavior of colloids with competing interactions under spherical confinement and finds that different ordered structures can be formed under different sized spherical confinements. Moreover, more perforated structures are formed in smaller spheres.