Adhesion and proliferation of living cell on surface functionalized with glycine nanostructures

This research presents the application of glycine amino acid for establishing firm cell-substrate interaction instead of expensive adhesion proteins, peptides and peptide derivatives. The glycine amino acid is chemically functionalized on the coverslip to achieve self-assembled nanostructure. Glycine self-assembly on NaCl treated coverslips is initiated with SiONa+:COO− linkage while their nanostructure is achieved with formation of glycine chain through NH3+:COO− covalent linkage between the adjacent molecules. The functionalization steps are confirmed by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) investigation. The atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) investigations reveal that glycine growth initiates at 4 Hours (H) post-treatment while maximum growth appears after 8H-10H. Both the vertical and horizontal growth of nanostructures show dependence on functionalization periods. Various levels of glycine functionalized surface show different levels of baby hamster kidney (BHK-21) cell adhesion and proliferation efficiency with maximum performance for 10H functionalized surface. The adhesion and proliferation performance of 10H glycine functionalized surface shows negligible difference when compared with glycine-aspartic acid (RGD) functionalized surface. Finally, growth curves obtained from both glycine and RGD functionalized surface reveal exponential growth phage up to 48H followed by stationary phage between 48H and 72H while death of many cells appears from 72H to 96H. Thus, this research concluded that glycine functionalized surface is equally effective for cell adhesion and proliferation

Scaffold and scaffold-free self-assembled systems in regenerative medicine

Self-assembly in tissue engineering refers to the spontaneous chemical or biological association of components to form a distinct functional construct, reminiscent of native tissue. Such self-assembled systems have been widely used to develop platforms for the delivery of therapeutic and/or bioactive molecules and various cell populations. Tissue morphology and functional characteristics have been recapitulated in several self-assembled constructs, designed to incorporate stimuli responsiveness and controlled architecture through spatial confinement or field manipulation. In parallel, owing to substantial functional properties, scaffold-free cell-assembled devices have aided in the development of functional neotissues for various clinical targets. Herein, we discuss recent advancements and future aspirations in scaffold and scaffold-free self-assembled devices for regenerative medicine purposes

Formation of corneal stromal-like assemblies using human corneal fibroblasts and macromolecular crowding

PubMed: 32542604Tissue engineering by self-assembly allows for the formation of living tissue substitutes, using the cells’ innate capability to produce and deposit tissue-specific extracellular matrix. However, in order to develop extracellular matrix-rich implantable devices, prolonged culture time is required in traditionally utilized dilute ex vivo microenvironments. Macromolecular crowding, by imitating the in vivo tissue density, dramatically accelerates biological processes, resulting in enhanced and accelerated extracellular matrix deposition. Herein, we describe the ex vivo formation of corneal stromal-like assemblies using human corneal fibroblasts and macromolecular crowding. © Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature 2020.Science Foundation Ireland, SFI: 15/CDA/3629 European Regional Development Fund, FEDER: 13/RC/2073 Türkiye Bilimsel ve Teknolojik Araştirma Kurumu, TÜBITAK: B?DEBThis work has been supported from: Science Foundation Ireland, Career Development Award Programme (grant agreement number: 15/CDA/3629) and Science Foundation Ireland and the European Regional Development Fund (grant agreement number: 13/RC/2073). Mehmet G?rdal was supported by The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (T UB?TAK), Science Fellowships and Grant Programmes Department (B?DEB), Programme of 2214-A Ph.D. Research Scholarship for Abroad. The authors have no competing interests

The past, present and future in scaffold-based tendon treatments

Tendon injuries represent a significant clinical burden on healthcare systems worldwide. As the human population ages and the life expectancy increases, tendon injuries will become more prevalent especially among young individuals with long life ahead of them. Advancements in engineering, chemistry and biology have made available an array of three-dimensional scaffold-based intervention strategies, natural or synthetic in origin. Further, functionalisation strategies, based on biophysical, biochemical and biological cues, offer control over cellular functions; localisation and sustained release of therapeutics/biologics; and the ability to positively interact with the host to promote repair and regeneration. Herein, we critically discuss current therapies and emerging technologies that aim to transform tendon treatments in the years to come. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.This work is supported by the: EU FP7/2007–2013, Marie Curie, IAPP award, part of the People programme, Tendon Regeneration Project (Grant Agreement Number: 251385) to D.Z.; EU FP7/2007–2013, NMP award, Green Nano Mesh Project (Grant Agreement Number: 263289) to D.Z.; Science Foundation Ireland (Project Number: SFI_09-RFP-ENM2483) to D.Z.; Health Research Board, Health Research Awards Programme, under the grant agreement number HRA_POR/2011/84 to D.Z.; Enterprise Ireland, Collaborative Centre for Applied Nanotechnology (Project No: CCIRP-2007-CCAN-0509), under the Irish Government\u27s National Development Plan 2007–2013 to D.Z.; Teagasc, Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine, FIRM/RSF/CoFORD (Project Number: 11-F-043) to D.Z