Engineered regeneration最新文献

Nerve regeneration following traumas remains an unmet challenge. The application of pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) stimulation has gained traction for a minimally invasive regeneration of nerves. However, a systematic exploration of different PEMF parameters influencing neuron function at a cellular level is not available. In this study, we exposed neuroblastoma F11 cells to PEMF to trigger beneficial effects on neurite outgrowth. Different carrier frequencies, pulse repetition frequencies, and duty cycles were screened with a custom ad hoc setup to find the most influential parameters values. A carrier frequency of 13.5 MHz, a pulse repetition frequency of 20 Hz, and a duty cycle of 10% allowed maximal neurite outgrowth, with unaltered viability with respect to non-stimulated controls. Furthermore, in a longer-term analysis, such optimal conditions were also able to increase the gene expression of neuronal expression markers NeuN and Tuj-1 and transcription factor Ngn1. Finally, the same optimal stimulation conditions were also applied to THP-1 macrophages, and both pro-inflammatory (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8) and anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10, CD206) were analyzed. The optimal PEMF stimulation parameters did not induce differentiation towards an M1 macrophage phenotype, decreased IL-1β and IL-8 gene expression, decreased TNF-α and IL-8 cytokine release in M1-differentiated cells, increased IL-10 and CD206 gene expression, as well as IL-10 cytokine release in M0 cells. The specific PEMF stimulation regime, which is optimal in vitro, might have a high potential for a future in vivo translation targeting neural regeneration and anti-inflammatory action for treating peripheral nerve injuries.

Osteoarthritis (OA) represents an enduring and widespread global burden, causing significant morbidity and disability, whose pathology is characterized by persistent inflammation, progressive cartilage degeneration, abnormal bone homeostasis, and excessive synovial hyperplasia, resulting from its complex microenvironment. Unfortunately, current therapeutic approaches for OA remain suboptimal, prompting increased interest in advanced nanotechnology as a means to enhance therapeutic effects. In recent years, significant progress has been made in the development of versatile nanoplatforms designed to the specific microenvironment of OA, resulting in promising results and introducing the concept of “OA nanomedicine”. Compared to the conventional therapies like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), OA nanomedicine offers precise targeted, controllable and personalized ways for OA therapy, contributing to better outcomes. However, a comprehensive review consolidating the “OA nanomedicine” is currently absent from literature. Therefore, in this review, we aim to unravel the key pathological and microenvironmental characteristics of OA while summarizing the properties and advantages of nanosystems possessing microenvironment-reprogramming capabilities for OA therapy. First, we make a retrospection of the features of OA pathology and OA microenvironment. Furthermore, we provide an overview of the advances in OA nanomedicine. Eventually, we discuss the present challenges associated with OA nanomedicine and provide insights into its future prospects from a clinical-translational lens. By doing so, this review can foster and propel the successful development of OA nanomedicine, addressing the unmet needs in OA therapy.

Many biological structures such as nerves, blood and lymphatic vessels, and muscle fibres exhibit longitudinal geometries with distinct cell types extending along both the length and width of internal linear axes. Modelling these three-dimensional structures in vitro is challenging: the best-defined stem-cell differentiation systems are monolayer cultures or organoids using pluripotent stem cells. Pluripotent stem cells can differentiate into functionally mature cells depending on the signals received, holding great promise for regenerative medicine. However, the integration of in vitro differentiated cell types into diseased tissue remains a challenge. Engineered scaffolds can bridge this gap if the appropriate signalling systems are incorporated into the scaffold. Here, we have taken a biomimicry approach to generate longitudinal structures in vitro. In this approach, mouse embryonic stem cells are directed to differentiate to specific cell types on the surface of polycaprolactone (PCL) fibres treated by plasma-immersion ion implantation and to which with lineage-specifying molecules have been covalently immobilised. We demonstrate the simplicity and utility of our method for efficiently generating high yields of the following cell types from these pluripotent stem cells: neurons, vascular endothelial cells, osteoclasts, adipocytes, and cells of the erythroid, myeloid, and lymphoid lineages. Strategically arranged plasma-treated scaffolds with differentiated cell types could ultimately serve as a means for the repair or treatment of diseased or damaged tissue.

Tanycytes are stem/progenitor cells that reside in the hypothalamus of the adult vertebrate brain. Tanycytes can be cultured as free-floating neurospheres in vitro but tend to spontaneously differentiate over time. Here we asked whether morphological cues provided by engineered polymer scaffolds can modify spontaneous differentiation. Tanycyte-derived neurospheres were cultured on electrospun scaffolds, prepared with either random or aligned fiber morphologies. Cells dispersed widely on the scaffolds, and - on aligned scaffolds - were highly organized, orientated parallel to the fibers. Immunocytochemical analysis showed that cells cultured on aligned scaffolds showed significantly greater expression of the neural stem/progenitor cell marker, NrCAM and reduced expression of differentiated cell markers in comparison to those cultured on random scaffolds. Together this shows that tanycytes respond to local engineered cues, and that a morphologically constrained environment can better maintain tanycytes as stem cells. The aligned scaffold culture system provides a powerful tool to better investigate this novel stem/progenitor cell population.

Mechanically strong magnesium-doped Ca-silicate bioceramic scaffolds have many advantages in repairing large segmental bone defects. Herein we combine β-TCP with 6 mol% magnesium-doped calcium silicate (Mg6) at three different ratios (TCP, TCP+15 %Mg6, TCP+85 %Mg6) to find an appropriate ratio which can exert considerable influence on bone regeneration. In this study, the bioceramic scaffolds were assessed for mechanical strength, bioactive ion release, biocompatibility, and osteogenic capacity through in vitro testing. Additionally, the potential for promoting bone regeneration was investigated through in vivo implantation of porous tube-like scaffolds. The results showed that the compressive strength increased with the augmentation of Mg6 component. Especially the compressive strength of the TCP+85 %Mg6 group reached 38.1 ± 3.8 MPa, three times that of the other two groups. Furthermore, extensive in vivo investigations revealed that the TCP+85 %Mg6 bioceramic scaffolds were particularly beneficial for the osteogenic capacity of critical-sized femoral defects (20 mm in length). Altogether, magnesium doping in bioceramic implants is a promising strategy to provide stronger mechanical support and enhance osteogenesis to accelerate the repair of large defects.

Silk-based biomaterials have gained significant importance making them a promising choice for the future of medical technology due to their versatility and biocompatibility. They can be fabricated and tailored through various processing methods such as electrospinning, freeze-drying, and 3D printing, to achieve specific properties and structures namely sponges, hydrogels, films, and scaffolds that can be utilized for different biomedical applications. Biocompatibility, a unique property of silk-based biomaterials, has been demonstrated through both in vivo and in vitro studies and to date many studies have reported the successful use of these silk-based biomaterials in different fields of medicine. In this review, we have elaborately discussed different types of silk, their structural composition, and biophysical properties. Also, the current review focuses on highlighting various biomedical applications of engineered and fabricated silk-based biomaterials which aid in the treatment of certain infections and diseases related to skin, eyes, teeth, bone, heart, nerves, and liver. Furthermore, we have consolidated the advancements of silk-based biomaterials in the different fields of biotechnology such as sensors, food coating and packaging, textiles, drug delivery, and cosmetics. However, the research in this field continues to expand and more significant observations must be generated with feasible results for their reliable use in different biomedical applications.

The use of antibacterial dressings is crucial in the prevention and treatment of wound infection in emergency situations. However, the efficacy of dressings is compromised by long-term storage or exposure to harsh conditions. Here, an ultrastable in-situ silver nanoparticle dressing (AgSNP@CD) was prepared for effective prevention and treatment of wound infection in emergency. The fabrication process of AgSNP@CD is simple, suitable for large-scale production. Due to the strong interaction between the in-situ synthesized AgNPs and the cotton fabric, AgSNP@CD owned remarkable stability, thus retaining its antimicrobial efficacy even after long-term storage (up to 2 years) and under extreme conditions (damp heat, low temperatures, low-oxygen, water immersion, acid-alkali erosion). Both in vitro and in vivo results demonstrated the extraordinary antibacterial efficacy and stability of AgSNP@CD, facilitating infection prevention and wound healing in extreme conditions. In particular, AgSNP@CD exhibited a superior treatment effect on severe bacteria-infected trauma and can prevent the occurrence of sepsis effectively. The exceptional stability and antibacterial efficacy of AgSNP@CD under complex and extreme conditions make it a well-suited dressing strategy for the prevention and treatment of wound infection in emergency.

Cell alignment plays a vital role in tissue regeneration, especially for neural cells like neurons. Recent progress in biomaterial technologies has enabled the creation of various approaches for engineering neural cell alignment, which has demonstrated significant effectiveness in several biomedical applications. This review primarily concentrates on the latest advancements for in vitro engineering of neural cell alignment. We also summarized their applications in biomedical research, particularly their potential in addressing nervous system injuries. Finally, we analyze the current challenges associated with engineering neural cell alignment and provide insights into future perspectives in this field.

Skin damage resulting from burns, injuries, or diseases can lead to significant functional and esthetic deficits. However, traditional treatments, such as skin grafting, have limitations including limited donor skin availability, poor aesthetics, and functional impairment. Skin tissue engineering provides a promising alternative, with engineered artificial skins offering a highly viable avenue. Engineered artificial skin is designed to mimic or replace the functions of natural human skin and find applications in various medical treatments, particularly for severe burns, chronic wounds, and other skin injuries or defects. These artificial skins aim to promote wound healing, provide temporary coverage, permanent skin replacement, and restore the skin's barrier function. Artificial skins have diverse applications in medicine and wound care, addressing burns, chronic wounds, and traumatic injuries. They also serve as valuable tools for research in tissue engineering, offering experimental models for studying wound healing mechanisms, testing new biomaterials, and exploring innovative approaches to skin regeneration. This review provides an overview of current construction strategies for engineered artificial skin, including cell sources, biomaterials, and construction techniques. It further explores the primary application areas and future prospects of artificial skin, highlighting their potential to revolutionize skin reconstruction and advance the field of regenerative medicine.