Gradients of Stiffness Guide Neurite Growth in 3D Collagen Gels

2007 ◽  
Author(s):  
Harini G. Sundararaghavan ◽  
David I. Shreiber
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Properties ◽  
Crosslinking Agent ◽  
Collagen Gel ◽  
Neurite Growth ◽  
Mechanical Anisotropy ◽  
Spinal Cord Regeneration ◽  
Collagen Gels ◽  
Differential Growth ◽  
Biomaterial Scaffold ◽  
3D Collagen

One approach to enhance nerve and spinal cord regeneration following injury is to implant a biomaterial scaffold to ”bridge” the gap of the injury. Structural/mechanical anisotropy has been suggested as a means of orienting this growth axially. We have spatially varied the mechanical properties of a 3D collagen gel to direct growth axially and unidirectionally. Gradients of mechanical properties were generated in collagen gels by exposing the collagen to a 0–1mM gradient of genipin, a cell-tolerated crosslinking agent, for 12hrs via microfluidics. The gradient of stiffness was confirmed via a gradient of genipin-induced fluorescence intensity, which we have previously correlated to the storage modulus of collagen gels. The growth of neurites from isolated chick embryo dorsal root ganglia (DRG) in the presence of these gradients was evaluated after 5 days in culture. In control cases, neurites grew into the collagen gel and up either side of the cross-channel to approximately equal lengths. A 20% difference in differential growth was observed in control experiments. In contrast, when presented a gradient of shear modulus from ∼365Pa – 60Pa, neurites elected to grow down the gradient of stiffness to the compliant side, with an almost 300% difference. Interestingly, the length of neurites in gels with gradients was significantly greater than the length of those grown in gels with uniform, untreated gels with high compliance. Control of neurite growth, cell migration, and other aspects of cell behavior in 3D scaffolds via mechanical properties offers vast potential for tissue engineering and other regenerative therapies.

Directing Neurite Growth in 3D Collagen Scaffolds With Gradients of Mechanical Properties

2007 ◽  
Author(s):  
Harini G. Sundararaghavan ◽  
David I. Shreiber
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Properties ◽  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Crosslinking Agent ◽  
Collagen Gel ◽  
Neurite Growth ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Spinal Cord Regeneration ◽  
3D Scaffold ◽  
Directional Bias ◽  
Order Of Magnitude

Biomaterial scaffolds for nerve and spinal cord regeneration must not only promote neurite re-growth but also direct it. Several cell types, including neurons, respond to the mechanical properties of the substrate on which they are grown. We believe that gradients of mechanical properties can be used to direct neurons. To spatially control the mechanical properties, gradients of genipin — a naturally occurring, cell-tolerated crosslinking agent — are created in 3D through a compliant collagen gel using microfluidics. Gradients of mechanical properties are evaluated by measuring genipin-induced fluorescence, which we have previously correlated to mechanical properties. Growth of neurites was evaluated in gels of uniform stiffness and a gradient generated by incubation in 0 to 1 mM genipin for 12hrs to produce approximately an order of magnitude change in the shear modulus. Neurite growth was evaluated 5 days after gradient formation. Neurites demonstrated a directional bias against the gradient of stiffness. These results demonstrate that neurites can respond to subtle gradients of mechanical properties within a 3D scaffold and point to opportunities to manipulate properties for directed nerve and spinal cord regeneration.

Guided Axon Growth by Gradients of Adhesion in Collagen Gels

2008 ◽  
Author(s):  
Harini G. Sundararaghavan ◽  
Gary A. Monteiro ◽  
David I. Shreiber
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Collagen Gel ◽  
Axon Growth ◽  
Neurite Growth ◽  
Gradient System ◽  
Spinal Cord Regeneration ◽  
Collagen Gels ◽  
Direct Growth ◽  
3D Collagen

During development, neurites are directed by gradients of attractive and repulsive soluble (chemotactic) cues and substrate-bound adhesive (haptotactic) cues. Many of these cues have been extensively researched in vitro, and incorporated into strategies for nerve and spinal cord regeneration, primarily to improve the regenerative environment. To enhance and direct growth, we have developed a system to create 1D gradients of adhesion through a 3D collagen gel using microfluidics. We test our system using collagen grafted with bioactive peptide sequences, IKVAV and YIGSR, from laminin — an extra-cellular matrix (ECM) protein known to strongly influence neurite outgrowth. Gradients are established from ∼0.37mg peptide/mg collagen – 0, and ∼0.18 mg peptide/mg collagen – 0 of each peptide and tested using chick dorsal root ganglia (DRG). Neurite growth is evaluated 5 days after gradient formation. Neurites show increased growth in the gradient system when compared to control and biased growth up the gradient of peptides. Growth in YIGSR-grafted collagen increased with steeper gradients, whereas growth in IKVAV-grafted collagen decreased with steeper gradients. These results demonstrate that neurite growth can be enhanced and directed by controlled, immobilized, haptotactic gradients through 3D scaffolds, and suggest that including these gradients in regenerative therapies may accelerate nerve and spinal cord regeneration.

Microfluidic Generation of Adhesion Gradients Through 3D Collagen Gels: Implications for Neural Tissue Engineering

2008 ◽  
Author(s):  
Harini G. Sundararaghavan ◽  
Gary A. Monteiro ◽  
David I. Shreiber
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Collagen Gel ◽  
Neurite Growth ◽  
Gradient System ◽  
Spinal Cord Regeneration ◽  
Collagen Gels ◽  
Direct Growth ◽  
3D Collagen ◽  
Regenerative Therapies

During development, neurites are directed by gradients of attractive and repulsive soluble (chemotactic) cues and substrate-bound adhesive (haptotactic) cues. Many of these cues have been extensively researched in vitro, and incorporated into strategies for nerve and spinal cord regeneration, primarily to improve the regenerative environment. To enhance and direct growth, we have developed a system to create 1D gradients of adhesion through a 3D collagen gel using microfluidics. We test our system using collagen grafted with bioactive peptide sequences, IKVAV and YIGSR, from laminin — an extra-cellular matrix (ECM) protein known to strongly influence neurite outgrowth [1, 2]. Gradients are established from 0.14 mg/ml–0, and 0.07 mg/ml–0 of each peptide and tested using chick dorsal root ganglia (DRG). Neurite growth is evaluated 5 days after gradient formation. Neurites show increased growth in the gradient system when compared to control and biased growth up the gradient of peptides. These results demonstrate that neurite growth can be enhanced and directed by controlled, immobilized, haptotactic gradients through 3D scaffolds, and suggest that including these gradients in regenerative therapies may accelerate nerve and spinal cord regeneration.

Neurite growth in 3D collagen gels with gradients of mechanical properties

2009 ◽  
Vol 102 (2) ◽  
pp. 632-643 ◽  
Author(s):  
Harini G. Sundararaghavan ◽  
Gary A. Monteiro ◽  
Bonnie L. Firestein ◽  
David I. Shreiber
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Properties ◽  
Neurite Growth ◽  
Collagen Gels ◽  
3D Collagen

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).

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.

Modifying the Properties of Collagen Scaffolds with Microfluidics

2005 ◽  
Vol 897 ◽  
Author(s):  
David I Shreiber ◽  
Harini G Sundararaghavan ◽  
Minjung Song ◽  
Vikram Munikoti ◽  
Kathryn E Uhrich
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Properties ◽  
Cell Adhesion ◽  
Cellular Response ◽  
Type I Collagen ◽  
Crosslinking Agent ◽  
Force Balance ◽  
Adherent Cell ◽  
Type I ◽  
Spinal Cord Regeneration ◽  
Collagen Scaffolds

AbstractIt is now well accepted that the mechanical properties and cell adhesion profile of 2D and 3D extracellular matrix molecules combine to dictate cellular fate processes, such as differentiation, migration, proliferation, and apoptosis, through a process generally known as 'mechanotransduction', or the conversion of mechanical signals into a cellular response. The stiffness and adhesion density combine to affect the force balance that exists between an adherent cell and the surrounding substrate. We have established BioMEMS, microfluidic technology to alter the mechanical properties and cell adhesion profile of collagen scaffolds. Using soft lithography, we fabricate elastomeric networks that serve as conduits for the controlled mixing of type I collagen solutions. Our technology enables us to generate reproducible, controlled homogeneous and inhomogeneous microenvironments for 3D cell culture, assays of cell behavior in 3D, and the development of bioartificial tissue equivalents for regenerative and reparative therapies. The adhesivity of collagen is modulated by covalently grafting peptides (such as RGD) or proteins (such as albumin) to soluble collagen molecules with 1- ethyl-3-(3-dimethyl aminopropyl) carbodiimide (EDC), a hetero-bifunctional coupling agent. EDC activates the carboxylic group of collagen and forms an amine bond with the grafting molecule. The grafted collagen self-assembles into a fibrillar gel at physiological temperature and pH with no measurable changes in rheological properties compared to controls. A solution of peptide-grafted collagen is then mixed in microfluidic networks with unaltered collagen to form controlled gradients or other patterns of the two solutions, which immobilize upon self-assembly. Separately or in the same network, the mechanical properties of the collagen gel can be altered regionally by the microfluidic delivery a solution of a cell-tolerated crosslinking agent. We use genipin, which has the unique property of generating crosslinks that autofluoresce. The intensity of the fluorescence correlates with the degree of crosslinking (and thus the mechanical properties) enabling us to monitor and measure changes in mechanical properties dynamically and non-invasively. Lastly, though it requires constant delivery or recirculation, the same networks can be used to impose gradients of soluble factors, such as growth factors and cytokines. Thus, we have developed a platform to examine the response of cells to simultaneous chemotactic, haptotactic, and durotactic gradients in a 3D environment. We are employing this technology to examine the response of neural cells to gradients of biomaterial properties to optimize cues for spinal cord regeneration.

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.

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 ROCK-generated contractility regulates breast epithelial cell differentiation in response to the physical properties of a three-dimensional collagen matrix

2003 ◽  
Vol 163 (3) ◽  
pp. 583-595 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michele A. Wozniak ◽  
Radhika Desai ◽  
Patricia A. Solski ◽  
Channing J. Der ◽  
Patricia J. Keely
Keyword(s):  
Epithelial Cells ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Collagen Gel ◽  
Collagen Matrix ◽  
Breast Epithelial Cell ◽  
Collagen Gels ◽  
Culture Dish ◽  
Breast Epithelial Cells ◽  
3D Collagen ◽  
Breast Epithelial

Breast epithelial cells differentiate into tubules when cultured in floating three-dimensional (3D) collagen gels, but not when the cells are cultured in the same collagen matrix that is attached to the culture dish. These observations suggest that the biophysical properties of collagenous matrices regulate epithelial differentiation, but the mechanism by which this occurs is unknown. Tubulogenesis required the contraction of floating collagen gels through Rho and ROCK-mediated contractility. ROCK-mediated contractility diminished Rho activity in a floating 3D collagen gel, and corresponded to a loss of FAK phosphorylated at Y397 localized to 3D matrix adhesions. Increasing the density of floating 3D collagen gels also disrupted tubulogenesis, promoted FAK phosphorylation, and sustained high Rho activity. These data demonstrate the novel finding that breast epithelial cells sense the rigidity or density of their environment via ROCK-mediated contractility and a subsequent down-regulation of Rho and FAK function, which is necessary for breast epithelial tubulogenesis to occur.

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