Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Huifeng Wang, Samantha Huddleston, Jian Yang, Guillermo A. Ameer
Summary: Regenerative medicine aims to restore tissue and organ function, but faces barriers such as the lack of proregenerative biomaterials, a complex regulatory process, and user adoption challenges. Biodegradable polymers, although important in regenerative medicine, have limitations in their mechanical and degradation properties. Despite these limitations, a small number of biodegradable polymers have dominated the market for the past 50 years.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Alperen Abaci, Gulden Camci-Unal, Murat Guvendiren
Summary: Three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting is an emerging technology that can fabricate functional tissues and organs, replicating native tissue function. With its precise positioning of cellular materials and utilization of medical images, 3D bioprinting has enormous potential in biomedical applications, such as tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. It is a rapidly progressing field that has shown clinically relevant uses.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Shriya S. Srinivasan, Samantha Gutierrez-Arango, Ashley Chia-En Teng, Erica Israel, Hyungeun Song, Zachary Keith Bailey, Matthew J. Carty, Lisa E. Freed, Hugh M. Herr
Summary: The study shows that the modified below-knee amputation procedure with agonist-antagonist myoneural interfaces (AMIs) offers better muscle control, proprioception, and phantom limb perception compared to traditional amputation techniques. Subjects with AMI amputations demonstrated more differentiated electromyography signals for myoelectric prosthesis control and reported less pain postamputation.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Shriya S. Srinivasan, Samantha Gutierrez-Arango, Ashley Chia-En Teng, Erica Israel, Hyungeun Song, Zachary Keith Bailey, Matthew J. Carty, Lisa E. Freed, Hugh M. Herr
Summary: The study discusses a modified below-knee amputation procedure that incorporates agonist-antagonist myoneural interfaces (AMIs) to improve neuromuscular control and precision for amputees. Subjects who underwent this modified procedure showed better muscle control, production of distinct control signals, increased proprioceptive inputs, greater phantom limb range of motion, and reduced pain compared to those who had traditional amputations. The use of AMIs during amputation provides enhanced physiological neuromuscular dynamics, proprioception, and phantom limb perception, resulting in more differentiated electromyography for myoelectric prosthesis control and improved clinical outcomes.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Priti Gupta, Shilpa Sharma, Shagufta Jabin, Sapana Jadoun
Summary: Regenerative medicine and tissue engineering have great potential in addressing the limitations of traditional medical approaches. Chitosan, as a naturally derived biocompatible biomaterial, has played a significant role in tissue regeneration. It has unique properties and can be applied in various fields, such as agriculture, nutraceuticals, biomedicine, and food. Chitosan is also an important material for developing next-generation hydrogels and bio-scaffolds. Furthermore, chitosan can be easily modified to enhance its mechanical strength, biodegradability, and controlled release of bioactive molecules. Blending chitosan with other polymers or incorporating nanoparticles expands its possibilities in tissue engineering applications.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2024)
Article
Polymer Science
Elisa Capuana, Francesco Lopresti, Manuela Ceraulo, Vincenzo La Carrubba
Summary: This review focuses on the properties and applications of poly-l-lactic acid (PLLA) as a biomaterial in the field of tissue engineering. The structure and main properties of PLLA are discussed, along with the recent advances in overcoming its hydrophobic and synthetic nature. Additionally, various fabrication technologies and the in vitro and in vivo applications of PLLA in tissue repair strategies are reviewed.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Giuseppe Alonci, Roberto Mocchi, Sabrina Sommatis, Maria Chiara Capillo, Elsa Liga, Agata Janowska, Lidia Nachbaur, Nicola Zerbinati
Summary: The study introduces a technology using amino acid L-Lysine as a biocrosslinker to stabilize hyaluronic acid (HA) and produce bionic hydrogels for regenerative medicine applications. These hydrogels exhibit a 3D network structure and mimic biological matrixes, making them a promising candidate for cell proliferation, regeneration, wound healing, and other medical applications.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Qi Feng, Dingguo Li, Qingtao Li, Xiaodong Cao, Hua Dong
Summary: This mini-review summarizes the fabrication strategies, unique characteristics, and applications of microgel assembly in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, with a focus on 3D printing. The challenges for further applications of microgel assembly are also discussed.
BIOACTIVE MATERIALS
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Nikita Voloshin, Pyotr Tyurin-Kuzmin, Maxim Karagyaur, Zhanna Akopyan, Konstantin Kulebyakin
Summary: Immortalized cells are increasingly used in practical medicine due to their advantages, such as the ability to produce larger amounts of cells and use them for longer periods of time. However, they also have drawbacks, like the possibility of malignant transformation or major phenotype change. This review discusses ways to overcome these barriers and highlights specific fields of application where these concerns are minimal.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Izeia Lukin, Itsasne Erezuma, Lidia Maeso, Jon Zarate, Martin Federico Desimone, Taleb H. Al-Tel, Alireza Dolatshahi-Pirouz, Gorka Orive
Summary: Tissue engineering has become a viable medical alternative in response to the increasing lifespan of society. This review focuses on gelatin, a widely used biomaterial in tissue engineering, and discusses ongoing concerns and the latest developments in this field. Advancements in technology, such as 3D bioprinting and gelatin functionalization, have allowed for better replication of native tissue in gelatin-based systems. This breakthrough has implications for both the manufacturing process, making it more practical and cost-effective, and the future use of gelatin in disease detection and diagnosis rather than treatment.
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Davide Adamo, Giulia Galaverni, Vincenzo Giuseppe Genna, Filippo Lococo, Graziella Pellegrini
Summary: This article reviews the clinical attempts at tracheal reconstruction and classifies them into non-tissue engineering and tissue engineering strategies. By analyzing the main difficulties and achievements in the field, as well as evaluating the forefront clinical experiences in tracheal repair/replacement, this review aims to promote a safer and more effective clinical translation in the future.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ramon Rial, Natalia Hassan, Zhen Liu, Juan M. Ruso
Summary: The study successfully produced hydrogel microparticles with different morphologies and compositions by combining experimental and computational methods, incorporating drug-doped Hydroxyapatite in their inner matrix. The use of a microfluidic system to obtain crosslinked HMPs with homogeneous sizes and morphologies, as well as the adsorption kinetics and desorption profiles of the chosen drug models, were key aspects of the research. The development of these hydrogel microparticles with improved functionalities is crucial for innovative and sustainable solutions in regenerative medicine.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR LIQUIDS
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Chuanfeng An, Hanting Li, Yanqiu Zhao, Shiying Zhang, Yuan Zhao, Yujie Zhang, Jianhua Yang, Lijun Zhang, Changle Ren, Yang Zhang, Jia Liu, Huanan Wang
Summary: Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a naturally derived carbohydrate polymer with diverse biological functions and superior properties. HA hydrogels have been widely used for biomedical applications due to their network homogeneity, degradation profile, permeability, and injectability. This review summarizes the recent progress in the preparation and applications of HA microgels, including different crosslinking/polymerization schemes and miniaturized fabrication techniques. The use of HA-based microgels in regenerative medicine, such as cartilage repair, bioactive delivery, diagnostic imaging, and modular tissue engineering, is also highlighted. Challenges and future perspectives in utilizing HA-based microgels in regenerative medicine are discussed.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Review
Engineering, Biomedical
Michelle Koerselman, Lisanne C. M. Morshuis, Marcel Karperien
Summary: This article discusses the application of small molecules such as peptides, aptamers, and variable antigen-binding domain of heavy chain only antibodies in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. It compares these biological functionalities with conventional antibodies and provides an overview of recent work in this area. The article focuses on the structural differences, modifications, and conjugation strategies of these biologicals, as well as the clinical trials involving them. The challenges associated with each of these biologicals are also highlighted.
ACTA BIOMATERIALIA
(2023)
Review
Engineering, Biomedical
Daniel Salthouse, Katarina Novakovic, Catharien M. U. Hilkens, Ana Marina Ferreira
Summary: This review highlights the importance of the immune response to biomaterials and discusses challenges and opportunities in the development and standardized assessment of the immune response to biomaterials, including the importance of endotoxin levels. It also explores the properties of biomaterials that impact the host immune response and the use of immunomodulatory biomaterials in regenerative medicine. Finally, a standardized in vitro pathway for evaluating the immune response to biomaterials (hydrogels) and their regenerative potential is proposed to ensure safety, consistency, and reduce costs and animal use.
ACTA BIOMATERIALIA
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Britney Forsyth, Peter Torab, Jyong-Huei Lee, Tyler Malcom, Tza-Huei Wang, Joseph C. Liao, Samuel Yang, Erik Kvam, Chris Puleo, Pak Kin Wong
Summary: Bloodstream infections are a significant global health concern, and rapid initiation of effective antibiotic treatment is crucial. A culture-free workflow for the rapid isolation and enrichment of bacterial pathogens from whole blood facilitates single-cell antimicrobial susceptibility testing, leading to faster diagnosis and treatment.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Samuel A. Vilchez Mercedes, Ian Eder, Mona Ahmed, Ninghao Zhu, Pak Kin Wong
Summary: This study investigates the influence of LNA modification on dsLNA biosensors and finds that a large amount of LNA monomers can enhance the specificity of the biosensor but prevent effective target binding.
Article
Cell Biology
Peter Torab, Yue Yan, Mona Ahmed, Hironobu Yamashita, Joshua Warrick, Jay D. Raman, David J. DeGraff, Pak Kin Wong
Summary: Cellular and molecular heterogeneity within tumors can enhance invasiveness, although the exact mechanism is not fully understood. Studies have shown that interaction between molecular subtypes within tumors can affect invasiveness, and variation in gene expression can further influence invasiveness.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Samuel A. Vilchez Mercedes, Federico Bocci, Mona Ahmed, Ian Eder, Ninghao Zhu, Herbert Levine, Jose N. Onuchic, Mohit Kumar Jolly, Pak Kin Wong
Summary: In this study, the researchers used a combination of immunocytochemistry, single cell biosensors, and computational modeling to show that the transcription factor Nrf2 functions as a phenotypic stability factor for hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal cells during collective cancer migration. They also demonstrated that Nrf2 and EMT signaling are spatially coordinated near the leading edge, and that the Nrf2-EMT-Notch network enhances the expression of certain genes associated with the formation of leader cells and protruding tips.
FRONTIERS IN MOLECULAR BIOSCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Infectious Diseases
Kristel C. Tjandra, Nikhil Ram-Mohan, Ryuichiro Abe, Marjan M. Hashemi, Jyong-Huei Lee, Siew Mei Chin, Manuel A. Roshardt, Joseph C. Liao, Pak Kin Wong, Samuel Yang
Summary: Bloodstream infections are a major cause of death worldwide, and the lack of timely and reliable diagnostic practices is an ongoing issue. The current blood culture practice is time-consuming and cannot provide timely results. Therefore, there is an urgent need for new technologies that can offer accurate and timely diagnosis and susceptibility testing.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yang Song, Jennifer Soto, Binru Chen, Tyler Hoffman, Weikang Zhao, Ninghao Zhu, Qin Peng, Longwei Liu, Chau Ly, Pak Kin Wong, Yingxiao Wang, Amy C. Rowat, Siavash K. Kurdistani, Song Li
Summary: Deformation of the cell nucleus boosts cell reprogramming and offers potential applications in cell engineering.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Joao Paulo Pera Mendes, Ninghao Zhu, Pak Kin Wong
Summary: This study utilizes a combined computational-experimental approach to design and optimize a sticky-end probe biosensor for the detection of transcription factor-DNA binding activity.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ninghao Zhu, Mona Ahmed, Yanlin Li, Joseph C. Liao, Pak Kin Wong
Summary: Cancer cells collectively invade using a leader-follower organization, and the regulation of leader cells is poorly understood. In this study, a dual double-stranded LNA nanobiosensor was used to track the dynamics of lncRNA in live single cells during collective cancer invasion. The results show that the lncRNA MALAT1 is dynamically regulated in the invading fronts of cancer cells. Transient knockdown of MALAT1 prevents the formation of leader cells and abolishes cancer cell invasion.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Hui Li, Kuangwen Hsieh, Pak Kin Wong, Kathleen E. Mach, Joseph C. Liao, Tza-Huei Wang
Summary: Single-cell pathogen diagnostic tools are increasingly used for identifying and monitoring bacterial infections and antimicrobial resistance. This Primer discusses the assessment, design, and implementation of single-cell pathogen diagnostics. The tools provide unprecedented quantitative precision and rapid turnaround times, which are crucial for precise and personalized bacterial infection treatments.
NATURE REVIEWS METHODS PRIMERS
(2023)
Proceedings Paper
Cell & Tissue Engineering
Haoyang Chen, Ninghao Zhu, Ryan Biskowitz, Jinyun Liu, Cheri X. Deng, Pak Kin Wong, Sri-Rajasekhar Kothapalli
Summary: We developed a novel transparent ultrasound transducer (TUT) platform for low intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) stimulation of cells and simultaneous imaging of live cell fluorescent calcium dynamics. The TUT platform eliminates the need for additional acoustic coupling and reduces contamination risk. The high light transmission and compact size of TUTs allow easy integration with state-of-the-art microscopy for high-resolution imaging of cells.
IMAGING, MANIPULATION, AND ANALYSIS OF BIOMOLECULES, CELLS, AND TISSUES XX
(2022)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Jyong-Huei Lee, Carl van der Linden, Francisco J. Diaz, Pak Kin Wong
Summary: Identifying nonhormonal contraceptives is important for avoiding side effects of hormonal birth control, reducing pregnancy complications and infant mortality rates, and promoting family planning. However, screening contraceptives is challenging due to diverse procedures involved. This study introduces a multifunctional microfluidic platform for cell-based drug screening, which is scalable and can be reconfigured for different applications in the future.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Caleb H. Meredith, Alexander C. Castonguay, Yu-Jen Chiu, Allan M. Brooks, Pepijn G. Moerman, Peter Torab, Pak Kin Wong, Ayusman Sen, Darrell Velegol, Lauren D. Zarzar
Summary: In this study, the chemomechanical framework underlying the self-propulsion of biphasic Janus oil droplets solubilizing in aqueous surfactant is uncovered. The influence of oil mixing, droplet shape, and oil solubilization rates on droplet propulsion is elucidated. Spatiotemporal control over droplet swimming speed and orientation is demonstrated through the application of thermal gradients.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Haoyang Chen, Ninghao Zhu, Mohamed Osman, Ryan Biskowitz, Jinyun Liu, Shubham Khandare, Peter Butler, Pak Kin Wong, Sri-Rajasekhar Kothapalli
Summary: An on-chip platform for low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) stimulation of cells has been developed, enabling direct culture on a transparent ultrasound transducer surface. The platform allows for optimal stimulation parameters for both non-thermal and thermal effects, as confirmed by fluorescence analysis and temperature measurements. The method shows potential for safe and effective mechanical stimulation of cells.
Review
Oncology
Samuel A. Vilchez Mercedes, Federico Bocci, Herbert Levine, Jose N. Onuchic, Mohit Kumar Jolly, Pak Kin Wong
Summary: Collective cancer cell invasion with leader-follower organization is a key mechanism of metastasis, but a consensus definition of leader cell characteristics is lacking. This Perspective outlines a conceptual framework for understanding how leader cells coordinate the invasion process using a multitude of cellular and molecular programmes.
NATURE REVIEWS CANCER
(2021)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Brian Scherer, Christine Surrette, Hui Li, Peter Torab, Erik Kvam, Craig Galligan, Steven Go, Greg Grossmann, Tyler Hammond, Tammy Johnson, Richard St-Pierre, John R. Nelson, Radislav A. Potyrailo, Tejas Khire, Kuangwen Hsieh, Tza-Huei Wang, Pak Kin Wong, Chris M. Puleo
Summary: Single-molecule and single-cell analysis techniques provide new opportunities for studying heterogeneity within biological samples, with digital assays serving as the foundation for modern bioanalytical tools due to their ability to precisely detect and quantify individual targets. The utility of digital assays can be significantly enhanced by cost-efficient and portable electrical detection capabilities.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Lin-Lin Luo, Jie Xu, Bing-Qiao Wang, Chen Chen, Xi Chen, Qiu-Mei Hu, Yu-Qiu Wang, Wan-Yun Zhang, Wan-Xiang Jiang, Xin-Ting Li, Hu Zhou, Xiao Xiao, Kai Zhao, Sen Lin
Summary: A novel AAV serotype, AAVYC5, introduced in this study, showed more efficient transduction into multiple retinal layers compared to AAV2, and enabled successful delivery of anti-angiogenic molecules in mice and non-human primates.