ObjectiveTo summarize the research progress of tissue-engineered bile duct in recent years.
MethodsThe related literatures about the tissue-engineered bile duct were reviewed.
ResultsIn recent years, the research of tissue-engineered bile duct has made a breakthrough in scaffold materials, seed cells, growth factors etc. However, the tissue-engineered bile duct is still in the research stage of animal experiments, which can not be directly applied to clinical practice.
ConclusionsThe research of tissue-engineered bile duct becomes popular at present. With the rapid development of materials science and cell biology, the basic research and clinical application of tissue-engineered duct will be more in-depth research and extension, which might bring new ideas and therapeutic measures for patients with biliary defect or stenosis.
Objective
To evaluate the feasibility and validity of chondrogenic differentiation of marrow clot after microfracture of bone marrow stimulation combined with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs)-derived extracellular matrix (ECM) scaffold in vitro.
Methods
BMSCs were obtained and isolated from 20 New Zealand white rabbits (5-6 months old). The 3rd passage cells were cultured and induced to osteoblasts, chondrocytes, and adipocytes in vitro, respectively. ECM scaffold was manufactured using the 3rd passage cells via a freeze-dying method. Microstructure was observed by scanning electron microscope (SEM). A full-thickness cartilage defect (6 mm in diameter) was established and 5 microholes (1 mm in diameter and 3 mm in depth) were created with a syringe needle in the trochlear groove of the femur of rabbits to get the marrow clots. Another 20 rabbits which were not punctured were randomly divided into groups A (n=10) and B (n=10): culture of the marrow clot alone (group A) and culture of the marrow clot with transforming growth factor β3 (TGF-β3) (group B). Twenty rabbits which were punctured were randomly divided into groups C (n=10) and D (n=10): culture of the ECM scaffold and marrow clot composite (group C) and culture of the ECM scaffold and marrow clot composite with TGF-β3 (group D). The cultured tissues were observed and evaluated by gross morphology, histology, immunohistochemistry, and biochemical composition at 1, 2, 4, and 8 weeks after culture.
Results
Cells were successfully induced into osteoblasts, chondrocytes, and adipocytes in vitro. Highly porous microstructure of the ECM scaffold was observed by SEM. The cultured tissue gradually reduced in size with time and disappeared at 8 weeks in group A. Soft and loose structure developed in group C during culturing. Chondroid tissue with smooth surface developed in groups B and D with time. The cultured tissue size of groups C and D were significantly larger than that of group B at 4 and 8 weeks (P lt; 0.05); group D was significantly larger than group C in size (P lt; 0.05). Few cells were seen, and no glycosaminoglycan (GAG) and collagen type II accumulated in groups A and C; many cartilage lacunas containing cells were observed and more GAG and collagen type II were synthesized in groups B and D. The contents of GAG and collagen increased gradually with time in groups B and D, especially in group D, and significant difference was found between groups B and D at 4 and 8 weeks (P lt; 0.05).
Conclusion
The BMSCs-derived ECM scaffold combined with the marrow clot after microfracture of bone marrow stimulation is effective in TGF-β3-induced chondrogenic differentiation in vitro.
Objective To study the influence of in vitro force-vascularization on in vivo vascularization of porous polylactic glycolic acid copolymer(PLGA) scaffolds with internal network channels (PPSINC). Methods After the in vitro forcevascula ization of PPSINCs covered with microvessel endothelial cells (MVEC) of mice, they were divided into two groups: the force-vascularization group (group A) and the control group with only PSINCs (group B). All the PPSINCs were planted in the mesentery of 12 mice for 2 and 4 weeks, the PPSINCs were cut out, the vascular ization of PPSINCs was investigated by histology and immunohistochemistry, and the vascularization area of the histologic section of the PPSINCswas measured with the computer-assistant image analysis system. Result After the in vitro forcevascularization of PPSINCs, the MVEC of the mice sticking on the channel wall could be seen. After the scaffold was im planted into the mice for 2 weeks, the vascularization area of the histologic section of PPSINCs (VA) in group A (2 260.91±242.35 μm2) was compared with that in group B (823.64±81.29 μm2)，and the difference was sig nificant in statistics（P＜0.01).The VA for 4 weeks in group A (17 284.36 ±72.67 μm2) was compared with that in group B (17 041.14±81.51 μm2), and the difference was not significant in statistics（P＞0.05）.The area of the actin positivestaining (AA) in the histologi c section of PPSINCs for 2 weeks’ implantation in group A (565.22±60.58 μm2) was compared with that in group B (205.91±16.25 μm2), and the difference was signi ficant in statistics（P＜0.01). After the implantation for 4 weeks, the VA in group A (4 321.09±19.82 μm2) was compared with group B (4 260.28±27.17 μm2), and the difference was not significant in statistics（P＞0.05）. Conclusion The PPSINC is a good simple scaffold model of vasculariazation. The in vitro force-vascularization can increase the in vivo vascularization of PPSINCs in the early stage.
Objective To investigate the cellular compatibil ity of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/wild antheraea pernyisilk fibroin (WSF), and to explore the feasibil ity for tendon tissue engineering scaffold in vitro. Methods The solutions of WSF (11%), PVA (11%), and PVA/WSF (11%) were prepared with 98% formic acid (mass fraction) at a mass ratio of 9 : 1. The electrospinning membranes of WSF, PVA, and PVA/WSF were prepared by electrostatic spinning apparatus. The morphologies of scaffolds were evaluated using scanning electronic microscope (SEM). The tendon cells were isolated from tail tendon of 3-dayold Sprague Dawley rats in vitro. The experiment was performed using the 3rd generation cells. The tendon cells (1 × 106/mL) were cocultured with PVA and PVA/WSF electrospinning film, respectively, and MTT test was used to assess the cell adhesion rate 4, 12 hours after coculture. The tendon cells were cultured in PVA and PVA/WSF extraction medium of different concentration (1, 1/2, and 1/4), respectively; and the absorbance (A) values were detected at 1, 3, 5, and 7 days to evaluate the cytotoxicity. The composite of tendon cells and the PVA or PVA/WSF scaffold were observed by HE staining at 7 days and characterized by SEM at 1,3, 5, and 7 days. Results The solution of WSF could not be used to electrospin; and the solution of PVA and PVA/WSF could be electrospun. After coculture of tendon and PVA or PVA/WSF electrospinning membranes, the cell adhesion rates were 26.9% ±0.4% and 87.0% ± 1.0%, respectively for 4 hours, showing significant difference (t=100.400, P=0.000); the cell adhesion rates were 35.2% ± 0.6% and 110.0% ± 1.7%, respectively for 12 hours, showing significant difference (t=42.500, P=0.000). The cytotoxicity of PVA/WSF was less significantly than that of PVA (P lt; 0.05) and significant difference was observed between 1/2 PVA and 1/4PVA (P lt; 0.05). HE staining and SEM images showed that the tendon cells could adhere to PVA and PVA/WSF scaffolds, but that the cells grew better in PVA/WSF scaffold than in PVA scaffold in vitro. Conclusion PVA/WSF electrospinning membrane scaffold has good cell compatibility, and it is expected to be an ideal scaffold of tendon tissue engineering.
Objective To review the latest development in the research on the application of the electrostatic spinning technology in preparation of the nanometer high polymer scaffold. Methods The related articles published at home and abroad during the recent years were extensively reviewed and comprehensively analyzed. Results Micro/nano-structure and space topology on the surfaces of the scaffold materials, especially the weaving structure, were considered to have an important effect on the cell adhesion, proliferation, directional growth, and biological activation. The electrospun scaffold was reported to have a resemblance to the structure of the extracellular matrix and could be used as a promising scaffold for the tissue engineeringapplication. The electrospun scaffolds were applied to the cartilage, bone, blood vessel, heart, and nerve tissue engineering fields. Conclusion The nanostructured polymer scaffold can support the cell adhesion, proliferation, location, and differentiation，and this kind of scaffold has a considerable value in the tissue engineering field.
ObjectiveTo investigate the influences of lactic acid (LA), the final degradation product of polylactic acid (PLA) on the prol iferation and osteoblastic phenotype of osteoblast-l ike cells so as to provide theoretical basis for bone tissue engineering.
MethodsRos17/2.8 osteoblast-l ike cells were harvested and divided into 3 groups. In groups A and B, the cells were cultured with the medium containing 4, 8, 16, 22, and 27 mmol/L L-LA and D, L-LA, respectively. In group C, the cells were cultured with normal medium (pH7.4). The cell prol iferation was determined with MTT method after 1, 3, and 5 days. The relative growth ratio (RGR) was calculated, and the cytotoxicity was evaluated according to national standard of China. In addition, the alkal ine phosphatase (ALP) activity of cells cultured with medium containing 4 mmol/L L-LA (group A), 4 mmol/ L D, L-LA (group B), and normal medium (group C) after 1 and 5 days were detected with ALP kits, and the relative ALP ratio (RAR) was calculated; after 21 days, the calcium nodules were tested with von Kossa staining method, and were quantitatively analyzed.
ResultsWhen LA concentration was 4 mmol/L, the mean RGR of both groups A and B were all above 80%, and the cytotoxic grades were grade 0 or 1, which meant non-cytotoxicity. When LA concentration was 8 mmol/L and 16 mmol/ L, groups A and B showed cytotoxicity after 5 days and 3 days, respectively. When LA concentration was above 22 mmol/L, cell prol iferations of groups A and B were inhibited evidently after 1-day culture. At each LA concentration, RGR of group A was significantly higher than that of group B at the same culture time (P<0.05) except those at 4 mmol/L after 1-day and 3-day culture. After 1 day, the RAR of group A was significantly higher than that of group B on 1 day (144.1%±3.2% vs. 115.2%±9.8%, P<0.05) and on 5 days (129.6%±9.8% vs. 78.2%±6.9%, P<0.05). The results of von Kossa staining showed that the black gobbets in group A were obviously more than those of groups B and C. The staining area of group A (91.2%±8.2%) was significantly higher than that of groups B (50.3%±7.9%) and C (54.2%±8.6%) (P<0.05).
ConclusionThe concentration and composition of LA have significant effects on the cell proliferation and osteoblastic phenotype of osteoblast-l ike cells.
Objective To review the current researches of scaffold materials for skeletal muscle tissue engineering, to predict the development trend of scaffold materials in skeletal muscle tissue engineering in future. Methods The related l iterature on skeletal muscle tissue engineering, involving categories and properties of scaffold materials, preparative techniqueand biocompatibil ity, was summarized and analyzed. Results Various scaffold materials were used in skeletal muscle tissue engineering, including inorganic biomaterials, biodegradable polymers, natural biomaterial, and biomedical composites. According to different needs of the research, various scaffolds were prepared due to different biomaterials, preparative techniques, and surface modifications. Conclusion The development trend and perspective of skeletal muscle tissue engineering are the use of composite materials, and the preparation of composite scaffolds and surface modification according to the specific functions of scaffolds.
Objective
To investigate the effect of collagen type I concentration on the physical and chemical properties of the collagen hydrogel, and to analyze the effect of different concentrations of collagen type I hydrogel on the phenotype and gene expression of the chondrocytes in vitro.
Methods
Three kinds of collagen hydrogels with concentrations of 12, 8, and 6 mg/ mL (C12, C8, and C6) were prepared, respectively. The micro-structure, compressive modulus, and swelling ratio of the hydrogels were measured and analyzed. The chondrocytes at 2nd passage were cocultured with three kinds of collagen hydrogels in vitro, respectively. After 1-day culture, the samples were stained with fluorescein diacetate (FDA) / propidium iodide (PI) and the cell activity was observed under confocal laser microscope. After 14-day culture, HE staining and toluidine blue staining were carried out to observe the histological morphology, and mRNA expressions of chondrocytes related genes (collagen type II, Aggrecan, collagen type I, collagen type X, Sox9) were determined by real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR.
Results
With the increase of collagen type I concentration from 6 to 12 mg/mL, the physical and chemical properties of the collagen hydrogels changed significantly: the fiber network became dense; the swelling ratios of C6, C8, and C12 were 0.260 ± 0.055, 0.358 ± 0.072, and 0.539 ± 0.033 at 192 hours, respectively, showing significant differences among 3 groups (P lt; 0.05); and the compression modulus were (4.86 ± 0.96), (7.09 ± 2.33), and (11.08 ± 3.18) kPa, respectively, showing significant differences among 3 groups (P lt; 0.05). After stained with FDA/PI, most cells were stained green, and few were stained red. The histological observation results showed that the chondrocytes in C12 hydrogels aggregated obviously with b heterochromia, chondrocytes in C8 hydrogels aggregated partly with obvious heterochromia, and chondrcytes in C6 hydrogels uniformly distributed with weak heterochromia. Real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR results showed that the mRNA expressions of collagen type II and Aggrecan were at the same level in C12, C8, and C6; the expressions of collagen type I, Sox9, and collagen type X were up-regulated with the increase of collagen type I hydrogels concentration, and the expressions were the highest at 12 mg/mL and were the lowest at 6 mg/mL, showing significant differences among 3 groups (P lt; 0.05).
Conclusion
Increasing the concentration of collagen hydrogels leads to better mechanical properties and higher shrink-resistance, but it may induce the up-regulation of cartilage fibrosis and hypertrophy related gene expression.
Objective To investigate the biocompatibil ity of silk fibroin nanofibers scaffold with olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) and to provide an ideal tissue engineered scaffold for the repair of spinal cord injury (SCI). Methods Silk fibroin nanofibers were prepared using electrospinning techniques and were observed by scanning electron microscope (SEM). Freshly isolated OECs from SD rats purified by the modified differential adherent velocity method were cultured. The cells at passage 1 (1 × 104 cells/cm2) were seeded on the poly-l-lysine (control group) and the silk fibroin nanofibers (experimental group) coated coversl ips in Petri dish. At desired time points, the morphological features, growth,and adhesion of the cells were observed using phase contrast inverted microscopy. The OECs were identified by the nerve growth factor receptor p75 (NGFR p75) immunofluorescence staining. The viabil ity of OECs was examined by l ive/dead assay. The prol iferation of OECs was examined by MTT assay. The cytotoxicity of the nanofibers was evaluated. Results The SEM micrographs showed that the nanofibers had a smooth surface with sol id voids among the fibers, interconnecting a porous network, constituted a fibriform three dimensional structure and the average diameter of the fibers was about (260 ± 84) nm. The morphology of OECs on the experimental group was similar to the cell morphology on the control group, the cells distributed along the fibers, and the directions of the cell protrusions were in the same as that of the fibers. Fluorescence microscopy showed that the purity of OECs was 74.21% ± 2.48% in the experimental group and 79.05% ± 2.52% in the control group 5 days after culture. There was no significant difference on cell purity between two groups (P gt; 0.05). The OECs in the experimental group stained positive for NGFR p75 compared to the control group, indicating that the cells in the experimental group still maintained the OECs characteristic phenotype. Live/dead staining showed that high viabil ity was observed in both groups 3 days after culture. There was no significant difference on cell viabil ity between two groups. The prol iferation activity at 1, 3, 5, 7, and 10 days was examined by MTT assay. The absorbency values of the control group and the experimental group had significant differences 3 and 5 days after culture (P lt; 0.05). The relative growth rates were 95.11%, 90.35%, 92.63%, 94.12%, and 94.81%. The cytotoxicity of the material was grade 1 and nonvenomous according to GB/T 16886 standard. Conclusion Silk fibroin nanofibers scaffold has good compatibility with OECs and is a promising tissue engineered scaffold for the repair of SCI.
ObjectiveTo study the preparation method of acellular dermal matrix (ADM) for cartilage tissue engineering and analyze its biocompatibility.
MethodsThe dermal tissues of the calf back were harvested, and decelluarized with 0.5% SDS, and the ADM was reconstructed with 0.5% trypsin, cross-linked with formaldehyde, and modified with 0.5% chondroitin sulfate which can promote the proliferation of chondrocytes. And the porosity, cytotoxicity, and biocompatibility were determined. Co-cultured 2nd passage chondrocytes and bone marrow stromal cells in a proportion of 3 to 7 were used as seed cells. The cells were seeded on ADM (experimental group) for 48 hours to observe the cell adhesion. The expressions of mRNA and protein of collagen type Ⅱ were tested by RT-PCR and Western blot methods, respectively. And the expressions were compared between the cells seeded on the scaffold and cultured in monolayer (control group).
ResultsAfter modification of 0.5% trypsin, the surface of ADM was smooth and had uniform pores; the porosity (85.4%±2.8%) was significantly higher than that without modification (72.8%±5.8%) (t=-4.384, P=0.005). The cell toxicity was grade 1, which accords to the requirements for cartilage tissue engineering scaffolds. With time passing, the number of inflammatory cells decreased after implanted in the back of the rats (P<0.05). The scanning electron microscope observation showed that lots of seed cells adhered to the scaffold, the cells were well stacked, displaying surface microvilli and secretion. The expressions of mRNA and protein of collagen type Ⅱ were not significantly different between experimental and control groups (t=1.265, P=0.235;t=0.935, P=0.372).
ConclusionThe ADM prepared by acellular treatment, reconstruction, cross-linking, and modification shows perfect characters. And the seed cells maintain chondrogenic phenotype on the scaffold. So it is a proper choice for cartilage tissue engineering.
