Article
Neurosciences
Elga Esposito, Ester Licastro, Ornella Cuomo, Eng H. Lo, Kazuhide Hayakawa, Giuseppe Pignataro
Summary: Experimental studies show that ischemic postconditioning can interfere with cell death mechanisms and reduce infarction during the acute phase after focal cerebral ischemia. However, there are many limitations to its clinical translation. This study aims to explore the mechanisms of improved long-term recovery after ischemic postconditioning, and the results suggest that it may involve the promotion of neurogenesis and angiogenic remodeling via BDNF released by astrocytes.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR NEUROSCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Biophysics
Kai Zhang, Hongkun Hu, Yan Sun, Jiangyu Nan, Wenbin Liu, Pengfei Lei, Yihe Hu
Summary: Electrospinning technology is widely used in tissue engineering. We developed a biofunctionalized membrane loaded with Ta/WH nanoparticles to promote high-quality bone defect repair. In vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated that the release of WH can increase the density of nerves and blood vessels, synergizing with TaNPs to create a favorable nerve-vascular microenvironment for multidimensional bone defect repair.
COLLOIDS AND SURFACES B-BIOINTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Chunyang Ma, Hetong Wang, Yongjie Chi, Yanling Wang, Le Jiang, Nan Xu, Qiong Wu, Qingling Feng, Xiaodan Sun
Summary: Collagen fibers in the body have a complex arrangement, which plays an important role in cell adhesion, migration, proliferation, and secretion. Oriented collagen fiber scaffolds have shown exciting results in tissue repair. Bone is crucial for bearing loads in the human body, and the arrangement of collagen fibers in bone significantly affects its mechanical properties and physiological functions. Oriented collagen fiber scaffolds can promote new bone growth and induce cells to secrete oriented extracellular matrix. However, the complex arrangement of collagen fibers in bone poses challenges for bone tissue repair and bionics.
APPLIED MATERIALS TODAY
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Kai Liu, Lesan Yan, Ruotao Li, Zhiming Song, Jianxun Ding, Bin Liu, Xuesi Chen
Summary: Nerve autograft is currently the preferred treatment for peripheral nerve defects but has limitations. Emerging nerve guide conduits (NGCs), especially those made through 3D printing, offer effective platforms for repairing peripheral nerve defects.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yang Liu, Chuanlei Zhang, Yanhui Kong, Huiyu Liu, Cheng Chen, Wenyu Gao, Xiaowei Xi, Hui Yang, Linhong Deng
Summary: Blindness often occurs due to corneal abnormalities, and corneal transplantation is the most effective treatment method. Developing high-quality artificial corneas is crucial since there is a shortage of available donor corneas for transplantation. Collagen, the main component of natural cornea, is commonly used as a material in corneal repair. However, promoting the regeneration of corneal nerves after surgery remains a challenge. In this study, researchers developed a novel collagen-based material that showed promising results in promoting the growth of nerve cells and corneal epithelial cells. The findings suggest that this material may have potential applications in cornea tissue engineering.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Maria Cristina Bonferoni, Carla Caramella, Laura Catenacci, Bice Conti, Rossella Dorati, Franca Ferrari, Ida Genta, Tiziana Modena, Sara Perteghella, Silvia Rossi, Giuseppina Sandri, Milena Sorrenti, Maria Luisa Torre, Giuseppe Tripodo
Summary: Tissue repair and regeneration is an interdisciplinary field that focuses on developing bioactive substitutes to restore damaged tissues. Biomaterials play a pivotal role in this area, with both bio-inert and bioactive materials being studied to integrate well with living tissues and stimulate new tissue growth.
Review
Chemistry, Medicinal
Jonathan Ardhianto Panggabean, Sya'ban Putra Adiguna, Mutia Hardhiyuna, Siti Irma Rahmawati, Nina Hermayani Sadi, Gunawan Pratama Yoga, Eva Nafisyah, Asep Bayu, Masteria Yunovilsa Putra
Summary: Aquatic-based collagens have great potential in biomedical applications, especially in tissue engineering, due to their superior characteristics compared to mammalian-based collagen. They are biocompatible, biodegradable, easy to extract, and pose a low immunological risk. The utilization of aquatic-based collagen also offers advantages such as fewer religious restrictions and lower production costs, while promoting environmental sustainability through aquatic waste utilization.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zhirong Liu, Xingyi Wan, Zhong Lin Wang, Linlin Li
Summary: Electroactive biomaterials have the potential to mimic cell microenvironments and regulate cell and tissue behaviors for tissue regeneration. Electrical stimulation can impact various biological processes and is crucial for nerve, bone, and cardiac tissue regeneration.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2021)
Review
Neurosciences
Samantha Schaeffer, Costantino Iadecola
Summary: Schaeffer and Iadecola reviewed the heterogeneity of the neurovasculature and discussed the limitations of the neurovascular unit concept and the molecular diversity of cerebrovascular cells. They proposed the concept of a 'neurovascular complex' composed of segmentally diverse functional modules that implement coordinated vascular responses to central and peripheral signals.
NATURE NEUROSCIENCE
(2021)
Review
Cell Biology
Friederike Pfeiffer
Summary: Oligodendrocyte precursor cells have the capability to differentiate into oligodendrocytes and myelinate axons, but they also frequently interact with cells of the neurovascular unit. The consequences of these interactions are not yet clear, but are being increasingly studied. Despite their apparent homogeneity, OPCs have the potential to adapt to their microenvironment. This review summarizes the various roles of OPC-vascular interactions and the circumstances under which they have been observed.
Review
Engineering, Biomedical
Zhidong Lin, Yu Tao, Yue Huang, Tao Xu, Wei Niu
Summary: Marine collagen has shown great promise as a biomaterial in bone tissue engineering, displaying excellent biological effects such as promoting osteogenesis, inhibiting inflammation, inducing cartilage differentiation, and improving bone mineral density. Its biocompatibility, biodegradability, ease of extractability, safety, low immunogenicity, and low production costs have made it a popular choice for researchers.
BIOMEDICAL MATERIALS
(2021)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Xiaolan Li, Xiang Zhang, Ming Hao, Dongxu Wang, Ziping Jiang, Liqun Sun, Yongjian Gao, Ye Jin, Peng Lei, Yue Zhuo
Summary: This review summarizes the importance of collagen in peripheral nerve regeneration, focusing on its characteristics, role, and optimization methods. Collagen, as a biomaterial, plays a crucial role in peripheral nerve repair and can be further optimized by adjusting its structure and physical properties, as well as combining it with bioactive components.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Merav Antman-Passig, Jonathan Giron, Moshe Karni, Menachem Motiei, Hadas Schori, Orit Shefi
Summary: Nerve growth conduits play a crucial role in supporting and promoting axon regeneration following nerve injuries. A biomimetic regenerative gel enriched with magnetic nanoparticles coated with nerve growth factor has been developed, showing promising effects on enhancing nerve regeneration in in vivo rat models. The magnet-based therapeutic conduits demonstrate oriented and directed axonal growth, providing a novel therapeutic approach to overcoming current medical obstacles for nerve injuries.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Xue-feng Feng, Ming-cong Li, Zi-yue Lin, Man-zhong Li, Yun Lu, Yu-ming Zhuang, Jian-feng Lei, Lei Wang, Hui Zhao
Summary: The active ingredient 2,3,5,6-Tetramethylpyrazine (TMP) extracted from the traditional Chinese herbal medicine Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort. has been shown to cross the blood-brain barrier and have neuroprotective effects on cerebral ischemia. This research investigated the role of TMP in promoting neurovascular restoration in subacute ischemic stroke and found that TMP improved neurological function, preserved neurovascular unit integrity, and enhanced endogenous neurogenesis and angiogenesis. These effects were potentially mediated by regulating astrocytic reactivity, suppressing excessive AQP4 and Cx43 expression, and activating the FGF2/PI3K/Akt pathway.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR NEUROSCIENCE
(2023)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Britani N. Blackstone, Summer C. Gallentine, Heather M. Powell
Summary: This systematic review examines the use of electrospun collagen in tissue engineering applications, finding that different crosslinking methods can affect degradation resistance and strength of the scaffolds, which are capable of forming engineered tissues with high similarity to native structures.
BIOENGINEERING-BASEL
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Dustin M. Snapper, Bianca Reginauld, Volha Liaudanskaya, Vincent Fitzpatrick, Yeonho Kim, Irene Georgakoudi, David L. Kaplan, Aviva J. Symes
Summary: This study developed a novel approach to studying traumatic brain injury caused by primary blast and utilized a bioengineered 3D brain-like human tissue culture system to simulate blast wave effects. The findings showed cellular injury, axonal varicosities, and the release of known biomarkers after blast.
JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Jugal Kishore Sahoo, Dawei Xu, Thomas Falcucci, Jaewon Choi, Onur Hasturk, Douglas S. Clark, David L. Kaplan
Summary: Protein-based hydrogel biomaterials offer a versatile platform for various biological applications, with the ability to encapsulate and stabilize biomolecules. In this study, silk fibroin and gamma-prefoldin chaperone protein were used to create composite hydrogels with different protein ratios, using enzyme-assisted cross-linking. The secondary structure, dityrosine bond formation, and mechanical properties were evaluated. The findings provide insights for the rational design of composite thermostable hydrogel biomaterials, allowing for protection and retention of bioactivity.
ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS
(2023)
Review
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Jose A. Foppiani, Allan Weidman, Angelica Hernandez Alvarez, Lauren Valentine, Karthika Devi, David L. Kaplan, Samuel J. Lin
Summary: This systematic review investigates the clinical application and patient outcomes of various innovative non-suture silk and silk-containing products. A total of nine studies were included in the qualitative analysis, covering the use of silk in wound dressings, topical application, breast reconstruction, and treatment of gynecological conditions. The results demonstrate the advantageous clinical properties of silk products in terms of structure, immune response, and wound healing modulation.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Luciana d'Amone, Jugal Kishore Sahoo, Nicholas Ostrovsky-Snider, David L. Kaplan, Fiorenzo G. Omenetto
Summary: Mucus lines all surfaces of the human body not covered by skin and provides lubrication, hydration, and protection. The properties of mucus are influenced by changes in pH that may occur due to physiological conditions and pathological circumstances. Using biopolymers that can adhere to mucus in different conditions to reinforce the mucus barrier can be a useful strategy for protecting the underlying mucosae from damage.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Andrew J. Stout, Miriam L. Rittenberg, Michelle Shub, Michael K. Saad, Addison B. Mirliani, James Dolgin, David L. Kaplan
Summary: The development of cost-effective serum-free media is crucial for the economic viability of cultured meat. This study successfully replaced recombinant albumin, which is a high-cost component, with rapeseed protein isolate in a serum-free medium called Beefy-R. The new medium showed improved growth and maintained cell phenotype and myogenicity of bovine satellite cells, offering a sustainable and low-cost alternative for muscle stem cell culture in cultured meat production.
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Ying Pei, Wen Yang, Keyong Tang, David L. Kaplan
Summary: Collagen presents a hierarchical multilevel structure that achieves an ideal balance of mechanical strength and toughness. Isolation of mesostructured aggregates of collagen from biological tissues enables the construction of new collagen materials with ideal mechanical performance. The use of these mesostructural components has shown promise in various applications.
BIOTECHNOLOGY ADVANCES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Qiongling Chen, Jinchuang Zhang, Yujie Zhang, Haodong Liu, Tongqing Li, Qiang Wang, David L. Kaplan
Summary: This study investigated the interactions between pea protein and fatty acids as well as the effect on protein conformational changes during high-moisture extrusion processing. The results showed that fatty acids induced the exposure of hydrophobic groups, weakened hydrogen bonds, and affected the aggregation of protein subunits. Unsaturated fatty acids limited protein chain refolding and covalent interactions. Additionally, stearic acid promoted the formation of fibrous structures.
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
John S. K. Yuen Jr, Brigid M. Barrick, Hailey DiCindio, Jaymie A. Pietropinto, David L. Kaplan
Summary: A major challenge of engineering larger macroscale tissues in vitro is the limited diffusion of nutrients and oxygen to the interior. Vascularizing in vitro-grown muscle tissue may address this constraint by supporting nutrient flow into the structure. This study explores the culture conditions necessary for the development of 3D muscles containing both myoblasts and endothelial cells.
ACS BIOMATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Olivia Foster, Sawnaz Shaidani, Sophia K. Theodossiou, Thomas Falcucci, Derek Hiscox, Brooke M. Smiley, Chiara Romano, David L. Kaplan
Summary: Natural polymers are widely used in tissue engineering and 3D disease modeling due to their cytocompatibility, biodegradability, and ability to mimic native tissue. However, autofluorescence of these polymeric scaffolds can hinder the visualization and assessment of fluorescently labeled cells and proteins. This study successfully utilized Sudan Black B (SBB) to eliminate autofluorescence in silk-based scaffolds, resulting in improved image resolution without affecting cell behavior.
ACS BIOMATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Eesha Khare, Xiangjun Peng, Zaira Martin-Moldes, Guy M. Genin, David L. Kaplan, Markus J. Buehler
Summary: Model verification is critical for scientific accountability, transparency, and learning. In this study, a model verification approach was applied to a molecular dynamics simulation, successfully replicating the key findings of the original model and gaining new insights. Improvements in model validation processes, particularly through enhanced documentation methods, were discussed. This protocol for model verification can be further applied to validate other simulations.
ACS BIOMATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Jianbing Wu, Wenjun Guo, Yongfeng Wang, Jian Liu, Heng Wang, Zhaozhu Zheng, Xiaoqin Wang, David L. Kaplan
Summary: Encapsulation of fragrances in silk fibroin microspheres was investigated in this study. Certain fragrances showed higher affinities to silk, resulting in better microsphere formation and higher fragrance loading. The citral-SFMSs exhibited longer shelf life and sustained release. This method has potential applications in textile finishing, cosmetics, and the food industry.
ACS BIOMATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Mario Milazzo, Vincent Fitzpatrick, Crystal E. Owens, Igor M. Carraretto, Gareth H. McKinley, David L. Kaplan, Markus J. Buehler
Summary: This study investigates the rheology, printability, and prosthetic mechanical properties of HA and HA-silk protein composites, highlighting the roles of composition and water content. The inclusion of silk improves the quality of printed items by reducing underextrusion and slumping. A printing map is constructed to guide the manufacturing of HA-based inks for biomedical applications requiring sub-millimetric features.
ACS BIOMATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Marta G. Fuster, Mercedes G. Montalban, Imane Moulefera, Gloria Villora, David L. Kaplan
Summary: In this study, folic acid-conjugated silk nanoparticles were used to deliver the anticancer drug ibrutinib (IB) to cancer cells with folate receptor overexpression. The study confirmed that the functionalized nanoparticles were internalized by cancer cells, mediated by folate receptors. This suggests that the developed nanocarrier can enhance IB uptake in cancer cells and be used for drug targeting applications.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Kayla F. Presley, Thomas Falcucci, Sawnaz Shaidani, Vincent Fitzpatrick, Jonah Barry, Matthew J. Dalton, Tod A. Grusenmeyer, David L. Kaplan
Summary: The study explores versatile silk protein-based material formats for bioreabsorbable, implantable optical oxygen sensors that can integrate with surrounding tissues. Silk is chosen due to its biocompatibility and unique chemistry for interactions with chromophores. The ability to tune degradation time without altering chemical composition is demonstrated. A multi-week rodent study establishes the ability to consistently monitor tissue oxygenation in vivo, with sponges showing faster response to oxygen challenges compared to film samples.
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Gang Xu, Liying Xiao, Peng Guo, Yuanyuan Wang, Shiyu Ke, Guozhong Lyu, Xiangsheng Ding, Qiang Lu, David L. Kaplan
Summary: The study developed an assembly strategy to regulate multiple cues in the same scaffold. The results showed that the multiple cues in the scaffold could promote vascularization and accelerate wound healing.
ACS BIOMATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING
(2023)