The Development of Structural and Mechanical Anisotropy in Fibroblast Populated Collagen Gels

2005 ◽  
Vol 127 (5) ◽  
pp. 742-750 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stavros Thomopoulos ◽  
Gregory M. Fomovsky ◽  
Jeffrey W. Holmes
Keyword(s):  
Structure Function ◽  
Collagen Gel ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Model System ◽  
Mechanical Anisotropy ◽  
Collagen Gels ◽  
Structural Anisotropy ◽  
Mechanical Constraints ◽  
Collagenous Tissues

An in vitro model system was developed to study structure-function relationships and the development of structural and mechanical anisotropy in collagenous tissues. Fibroblast-populated collagen gels were constrained either biaxially or uniaxially. Gel remodeling, biaxial mechanical properties, and collagen orientation were determined after 72h of culture. Collagen gels contracted spontaneously in the unconstrained direction, uniaxial mechanical constraints produced structural anisotropy, and this structural anisotropy was associated with mechanical anisotropy. Cardiac and tendon fibroblasts were compared to test the hypothesis that tendon fibroblasts should generate greater anisotropy in vitro. However, no differences were seen in either structure or mechanics of collagen gels populated with these two cell types, or between fibroblast populated gels and acellular gels. This study demonstrates our ability to control and measure the development of structural and mechanical anisotropy due to imposed mechanical constraints in a fibroblast-populated collagen gel model system. While imposed constraints were required for the development of anisotropy in this system, active remodeling of the gel by fibroblasts was not. This model system will provide a basis for investigating structure-function relationships in engineered constructs and for studying mechanisms underlying the development of anisotropy in collagenous tissues.

scholarly journals The selective binding and transmigration of monocytes through the junctional complexes of human endothelium.

1988 ◽  
Vol 168 (5) ◽  
pp. 1865-1882 ◽  
Author(s):  
N A Pawlowski ◽  
G Kaplan ◽  
E Abraham ◽  
Z A Cohn
Keyword(s):  
Silver Staining ◽  
Umbilical Vein ◽  
Collagen Gel ◽  
Collagen Gels ◽  
Silver Stain ◽  
Term Survival ◽  
Topographical Distribution ◽  
Junctional Complexes

Human monocytes show a high affinity for vascular endothelium both in vitro and in vivo. To explore monocyte-endothelial interaction in greater detail, we have developed a new in vitro model for growth of human endothelial cells (EC). Human umbilical vein EC (HUVEC) cultured upon collagen gels form confluent monolayers of EC that bind silver at their intercellular border similar to cells in situ. Intercellular junctional structures, both adherens and tight junctions, were identified. In contrast, HUVEC grown on plastic surfaces did not stain with silver. The silver-staining characteristic of EC-collagen monolayers was reversible and related to their in vitro maturation and senescence. Silver staining of EC borders provided a grid by which the location of monocyte binding to the luminal surface of individual EC could be assessed. Using this technique, we found that monocytes preferentially bound to the margins of EC, in approximation to the silver-staining junctions. These results suggest that EC determinants recognized by monocytes occur in a unique topographical distribution on the apical face of EC. After binding, monocytes migrated through the EC monolayers at high basal rates. The lack of penetration of collagen gels in the absence of an EC monolayer suggested the generation of EC-specific chemotactic signal(s). Monocytes were observed to pass between EC without evidence of disruption of the monolayer. Silver stain remained present during all phases of migration, and under transmission electron microscopy, junctional complexes were found proximal to monocytes that had just completed their passage through the monolayer. After orientation to the basal surface of the EC monolayer, monocytes migrated randomly into the underlying collagen gel. Monocyte adherence, penetration, migration, and long term survival can be studied under these conditions.

Prolactin effects on ion transport across cultured mouse mammary epithelium

1981 ◽  
Vol 240 (3) ◽  
pp. C110-C115 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. A. Bisbee
Keyword(s):  
Cell Cultures ◽  
Short Circuit ◽  
Collagen Gel ◽  
Mammary Epithelium ◽  
Short Circuit Current ◽  
Sodium Absorption ◽  
Collagen Gels ◽  
Mouse Mammary Epithelium

Prolactin is a known osmoregulatory hormone in lower vertebrates, and recent evidence indicates that this hormone modulates ionic concentrations in milk. In an ultrastructurally and biochemically differentiated primary cell culture system in which mouse mammary epithelium is maintained on floating collagen gels, prolactin causes an increase in short-circuit current (Isc) of monolayers of cells derived from midpregnant (24.6 to 48.0 microA . cm-2) and lactating (10.4 to 16.1 microA . cm-2) glands. Transepithelial potential differences (basal side ground) average about -12 mV and are similar to those seen in vivo. Prelactating mammary epithelial cell cultures have transepithelial resistances ranging from 374 omega . cm2 (prolactin present) to 507 omega . cm2 (prolactin absent), and lactating cell cultures have resistances averaging almost 1,000 omega . cm2. Prolactin effects require at most one day of culture maintenance in prolactin-containing medium, and the effects are not due to known contamination of prolactin preparations with arginine vasopressin or growth hormone. Medium concentrations of prolactin as low as 1 ng/ml can elicit these effects. In prelactating cell cultures not treated with prolactin, the Isc is equal to the rate of sodium absorption. Prolactin increases sodium absorption fourfold but increases Isc only twofold. Clearly, prolactin induces other active transport; neither potassium nor chloride movements can account for this additional transport. Resistance values, current-voltage plots, and permeability coefficients indicate that in vitro mammary epithelium is a moderately “tight” tissue. Comparisons with intact glands indicate that in vitro mammary epithelium closely resembles its in vivo counterpart. Floating collagen gel cultures appear suitable for elucidating transport properties in cellularly heterogeneous and structurally complex mammalian tissues.

Effect of shear stress on microvessel network formation of endothelial cells with in vitro three-dimensional model

2004 ◽  
Vol 287 (3) ◽  
pp. H994-H1002 ◽  
Author(s):  
Akinori Ueda ◽  
Masaki Koga ◽  
Mariko Ikeda ◽  
Susumu Kudo ◽  
Kazuo Tanishita
Keyword(s):  
Endothelial Cells ◽  
Shear Stress ◽  
Network Formation ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Collagen Gel ◽  
Flow Chamber ◽  
Laser Scanning Microscopy ◽  
Confocal Laser ◽  
Collagen Gels

Shear stress stimulus is expected to enhance angiogenesis, the formation of microvessels. We determined the effect of shear stress stimulus on three-dimensional microvessel formation in vitro. Bovine pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells were seeded onto collagen gels with basic fibroblast growth factor to make a microvessel formation model. We observed this model in detail using phase-contrast microscopy, confocal laser scanning microscopy, and electron microscopy. The results show that cells invaded the collagen gel and reconstructed the tubular structures, containing a clearly defined lumen consisting of multiple cells. The model was placed in a parallel-plate flow chamber. A laminar shear stress of 0.3 Pa was applied to the surfaces of the cells for 48 h. Promotion of microvessel network formation was detectable after ∼10 h in the flow chamber. After 48 h, the length of networks exposed to shear stress was 6.17 (±0.59) times longer than at the initial state, whereas the length of networks not exposed to shear stress was only 3.30 (±0.41) times longer. The number of bifurcations and endpoints increased for networks exposed to shear stress, whereas the number of bifurcations alone increased for networks not exposed to shear stress. These results demonstrate that shear stress applied to the surfaces of endothelial cells on collagen gel promotes the growth of microvessel network formation in the gel and expands the network because of repeated bifurcation and elongation.

Methylation and expression of the Myo D1 determination gene

1990 ◽  
Vol 326 (1235) ◽  
pp. 277-284 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
De Novo ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Model System ◽  
Parental Line ◽  
Molecular Control ◽  
Embryo Cells ◽  
End Stage ◽  
Derivatives Of

Mouse embryo cells induced to differentiate with the demethylating agent 5- azacytidine represent an excellent model system to investigate the molecular control of development. Clonal derivatives of 10T1/2 cells that have become determined to the myogenic or adipogenic lineages can be isolated from the multipotential parental line after drug treatment. These determined derivatives can be cultured indefinitely and will differentiate into end-stage phenotypes on appropriate stimulation. A gene called Myo D1, recently isolated from such a myoblast line, will confer myogenesis when expressed in 10T1/2 or other cell types (Davis et al. 1987). The cDNA for Myo D1 contains a large number of CpG sequences and the gene is relatively methylated in 10T1/2 cells and an adipocyte derivative, but is demethylated in myogenic derivatives. Myo D1 may therefore be subject to methylation control in vitro . On the other hand, preliminary observations suggest that Myo D1 is not methylated at CCGG sites in vivo so that a de novo methylation event may have occurred in vitro . These observations may have significance in the establishment of immortal cell lines and tumours.

Antibacterial Wound Healing Gels from Oligochitosan Salts

2012 ◽  
Vol 506 ◽  
pp. 31-34
Author(s):  
W. Janvikul ◽  
P. Ngamviriyavong ◽  
P. Uppanun ◽  
P. Tanjak ◽  
N. Sangjun
Keyword(s):  
Staphylococcus Epidermidis ◽  
Wound Closure ◽  
Collagen Gel ◽  
Antibacterial Activities ◽  
Dermal Fibroblasts ◽  
Collagen Gels ◽  
Collagen Gel Matrix ◽  
Growth Of Bacteria

Oligochitosan salt-based antibacterial wound gels were developed and evaluated in both in vitro and in vivo models. The antibacterial activities of the oligochitosan salts and the wound gels were investigated against Staphylococcus epidermidis RP625 and Escherichia coli ATCC 11775. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of the oligochitosan salts were found in the range of 16-256 μg/mL. The wound gels demonstrated their in vitro activities on inhibiting the growth of bacteria. The 3-D collagen gel matrix containing human dermal fibroblasts cultured with each test gel was used as an in vitro model for the examination of cell proliferation and secretion of interleukin-8 (IL-8). The gels appeared to promote the proliferation and formation of cellular process of the fibroblasts in the 3-D collagen gels and stimulate the fibroblasts to produce more IL-8. In the in vivo model, it was noted that the gels could accelerate the wound closure process. The wounds were completely closed within 14 days.

The Effect of Mechanical Constraints on Gelatin Samples under Pulsatile Flux

2012 ◽  
Vol 706-709 ◽  
pp. 449-454
Author(s):  
Eugenia Blangino ◽  
Martín A. Cagnoli ◽  
Ramiro M. Irastorza ◽  
Fernando Vericat
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Properties ◽  
Tissue Engineering ◽  
Collagen Gel ◽  
Biological Tissues ◽  
Mechanical Stimuli ◽  
Collagen Gels ◽  
Collagen Network ◽  
Mechanical Constraints ◽  
Preparation Conditions ◽  
Biological Compatibility

It is of great interest in tissue engineering the role of collagen gel-based structures (scaffolds, grafts and-by cell seeded and maturation-tissue equivalents (TEs) for several purposes). It is expected the appropriate biological compatibility when the extracellular matrix (ECM) is collagen-based. Regarding the mechanical properties (MP), great efforts in tissue engineering are focused in tailoring TE properties by controlling ECM composition and organization. When cells are seeded, the collagen network is remodeled by cell-driven compaction and consolidation, produced mainly through the mechanical stimuli that can be directed selecting the geometry and the surfaces exposed to the cells. Collagen gels have different (chemical and mechanical) properties depending on their origin and preparation conditions. The MP of the collagen network are derived from the degree of cross-linking (CLD) which can be modified by different treatments. One of the techniques to evaluate MP in the network is by ultrasound (US). In this work we analyse the effect of several mechanical constraints (similar to that imposed to promote cell growth on certain sample surfaces, when seeded) on samples of gelatin with a specific geometry (thick walls cylinders) under loading conditions of pulsatile flow. We checked US parameters and estimates evolution of the network structure for different restrictions in the sample mobility. It was implemented by adapting devices specially built to measure elastic properties of biological tissues by US. The material (origin and purity) and the preparation conditions for the gelatin were selected in order to compare the results with those of literature.

scholarly journals A three-dimensional model of the human blood-brain barrier to analyse the transport of nanoparticles and astrocyte/endothelial interactions

F1000Research ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
pp. 1279 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peddagangannagari Sreekanthreddy ◽  
Radka Gromnicova ◽  
Heather Davies ◽  
James Phillips ◽  
Ignacio A. Romero ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Blood Brain Barrier ◽  
Human Blood ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Collagen Gel ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Brain Barrier ◽  
Two Dimensional ◽  
Three Dimensional Model ◽  
Blood Brain

The aim of this study was to develop a three-dimensional (3D) model of the human blood-brain barrier in vitro, which mimics the cellular architecture of the CNS and could be used to analyse the delivery of nanoparticles to cells of the CNS. The model includes human astrocytes set in a collagen gel, which is overlaid by a monolayer of human brain endothelium (hCMEC/D3 cell line). The model was characterised by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), immunofluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry. A collagenase digestion method could recover the two cell types separately at 92-96% purity.  Astrocytes grown in the gel matrix do not divide and they have reduced expression of aquaporin-4 and the endothelin receptor, type B compared to two-dimensional cultures, but maintain their expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein. The effects of conditioned media from these astrocytes on the barrier phenotype of the endothelium was compared with media from astrocytes grown conventionally on a two-dimensional (2D) substratum. Both induce the expression of tight junction proteins zonula occludens-1 and claudin-5 in hCMEC/D3 cells, but there was no difference between the induced expression levels by the two media. The model has been used to assess the transport of glucose-coated 4nm gold nanoparticles and for leukocyte migration. TEM was used to trace and quantitate the movement of the nanoparticles across the endothelium and into the astrocytes. This blood-brain barrier model is very suitable for assessing delivery of nanoparticles and larger biomolecules to cells of the CNS, following transport across the endothelium.

Bacterial Endotoxin Inhibits Migration, Attachment, and Orientation of Human Gingival Fibroblasts in vitro and Delays Collagen Gel Contraction

1987 ◽  
Vol 66 (9) ◽  
pp. 1449-1455 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Pitaru ◽  
M. Soldinger ◽  
D. Madgar ◽  
Z. Metzger
Keyword(s):  
Collagen Type ◽  
Cell Attachment ◽  
Collagen Gel ◽  
Collagen Type I ◽  
Human Gingival Fibroblasts ◽  
Bacterial Endotoxin ◽  
Type I ◽  
Gingival Fibroblasts ◽  
Collagen Gels

The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of endotoxin adsorbed to dental surfaces and to collagen type I on the migration, attachment, and orientation of human gingival fibroblasts (HGF). Transversely cut porcine tooth root slices (RS), 200 μm thick, were prepared. Half of the RS obtained were partially demineralized in EDTA. Half of the demineralized and non-demineralized RS were incubated with 400 μg/mL of endotoxin for 24 hr, whereas the other half were maintained in PBS and served as controls. Experimental and control RS were placed on confluent layers of HFG and cultured for six days. Cell migration toward and cell attachment to the periphery of the RS and the formation of oriented cell sheets were assessed by means of photographic techniques. Additionally, six-day-old cultures were fixed and processed for SEM observation. In separate experiments, the effect of endotoxin on cell attachment to collagen type I and on contraction of three-dimensional collagen gels was assessed. It was found that: (i) bacterial endotoxin inhibited migration and attachment of HGF to both demineralized and non-demineralized cementum and interfered with the development of oriented cellular structure ; (ii) the inhibitory effect was significantly more pronounced for non-demineralized than for demineralized cementum; (iii) the morphology of HGF attached to endotoxin-treated dental surfaces was altered compared with that of their controls; and (iv) bacterial endotoxin inhibited cell attachment to collagen type I and delayed the contraction of collagen gel.

scholarly journals Design and construction of a novel measurement device for mechanical characterization of hydrogels: A case study

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. e0247727
Author(s):  
Shayan Shahab ◽  
Mehran Kasra ◽  
Alireza Dolatshahi-Pirouz
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Properties ◽  
Shear Modulus ◽  
Magnetic Beads ◽  
Mechanical Characterization ◽  
Collagen Gel ◽  
Biological Tissues ◽  
Elastic Behavior ◽  
Collagen Gels ◽  
Collagen Concentration

Natural biopolymer-based hydrogels especially agarose and collagen gels, considering their biocompatibility with cells and their capacity to mimic biological tissues, have widely been used for in-vitro experiments and tissue engineering applications in recent years; nevertheless their mechanical properties are not always optimal for these purposes. Regarding the importance of the mechanical properties of hydrogels, many mechanical characterization studies have been carried out for such biopolymers. In this work, we have focused on understanding the mechanical role of agarose and collagen concentration on the hydrogel strength and elastic behavior. In this direction, Amirkabir Magnetic Bead Rheometry (AMBR) characterization device equipped with an optimized electromagnet, was designed and constructed for the measurement of hydrogel mechanical properties. The operation of AMBR set-up is based on applying a magnetic field to actuate magnetic beads in contact with the gel surface in order to actuate the gel itself. In simple terms the magnetic beads leads give rise to mechanical shear stress on the gel surface when under magnetic influence and together with the associated bead-gel displacement it is possible to calculate the hydrogel shear modulus. Agarose and Collagen gels with respectively 0.2–0.6 wt % and 0.2–0.5 wt % percent concentrations were prepared for mechanical characterization in terms of their shear modulus. The shear modulus values for the different percent concentrations of the agarose gel were obtained in the range 250–650 Pa, indicating the shear modulus increases by increasing in the agar gel concentration. In addition to this, the values of shear modulus for the collagen gel increase as function of concentration in the range 240–520 Pa in accordance with an approximately linear relationship between collagen concentration and gel strength.

A Structural Basis for Anisotropy in Cardiac Fibroblast Populated Collagen Gels

2004 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stavros Thomopoulos ◽  
Jeffrey W. Holmes
Keyword(s):  
Myocardial Infarction ◽  
Mechanical Properties ◽  
Collagen Fiber ◽  
Collagen Gel ◽  
Mechanical Anisotropy ◽  
Control Individual ◽  
Structural Basis ◽  
Collagen Gels ◽  
Specific Loading ◽  
Anisotropic Mechanical Properties

The development of anisotropic mechanical properties is critical for the successful function of many soft tissues. Load bearing tissues naturally develop varying degrees of anisotropy, presumably in response to their specific loading environment. For example, the scar tissue that forms after a myocardial infarction is structurally and mechanically anisotropic. To better understand the scar mechanics, we first need to develop structure-function relationships for collagen fiber networks. In order to improve the healing after myocardial infarction, a better understanding of the mechanical anisotropy is necessary. An in vitro collagen gel system can be used to control individual fiber network components and to determine the effect of each component on the mechanical properties of the gel. Previously, we demonstrated the ability to promote two different collagen gel structures, with two different levels of mechanical anisotropy [1]. The goal of the current study was to quantitatively relate the observed mechanical anisotropy to the collagen fiber structure. It was hypothesized that the anisotropy could be explained with a simple structural model, where the gel behavior is derived from the behavior of the individual fibers within the gel (i.e., the properties of the fibers, their orientation, and their level of slack).

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