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Institute
- Abteilung für Funktionswerkstoffe der Medizin und der Zahnheilkunde (153) (remove)
Sonstige beteiligte Institutionen
Was vor einigen Jahren undenkbar erschien, könnte zukünftig möglich sein: Krankes Gewebe mit Gesundem ersetzen, das in vitro mit modernsten Biofabrikationstechniken hergestellt wird. Dabei werden bisherige Grenzen überschritten: Während lichtbasierte Biodruckverfahren wie die Zwei-Photonen-Polymerisation Auflösungen bis in den Nanometerbereich erzielen, ermöglicht der Volumetrische Biodruck (VB) den Druck zentimetergroßer Konstrukte in wenigen Sekunden. Diese Geschwindigkeiten erweisen sich unter Biodruckverfahren als konkurrenzlos und werden erreicht, da das Bioharz nicht konsekutiv, sondern zugleich vernetzt wird. Einschränkend gilt bislang nur der Mangel an geeigneten Bioharzen für den VB. Daher beschäftigt sich vorliegende Arbeit mit der Charakterisierung und Modifikation eines dafür geeigneten Bioharzes: Gelatine-Methacrylat (GelMA). Dank seiner Zusammensetzung ähnelt das etablierte Hydrogelsystem der Extratrazellularmatrix: Der Gelatine-Anteil ermöglicht Biokompatibilität und Bioaktivität durch zelladhäsive sowie degradierbare Aminosäure-Sequenzen. Zugleich können durch photovernetzbare Methacryloyl-Substituenten Konstrukte mit einer Formstabilität bei 37 °C erzeugt werden.
Zunächst wurde das Bioharz zellbiologisch charakterisiert, indem mit der embryonalen Mausfibroblasten-Zelllinie NIH-3T3 beladene GelMA-Zylinder gegossen, photopolymerisiert und kultiviert wurden. Im Verlauf einer Woche wurde die Zytokompatibilität der Gele anhand der Proliferationsfähigkeit (PicoGreen-Assay), des Metabolismus (CCK-8-Assay) und der Vitalität (Live/Dead-Assay) der Zellen beurteilt. Dabei wurden Polymerkonzentrationen von 6 – 8 % sowie GelMA-Harze zweier verschiedener Molekulargewichte verglichen. Alle hergestellten Gele erwiesen sich als zytokompatibel, 6 % ige Gele ließen im Inneren jedoch zusätzlich eine beginnende Zellspreizung zu und ein niedriges GelMA-Molekulargewicht verstärkte die gemessene Proliferation. Die sich anschließende mechanische und physikalische Charakterisierung belegte, dass höher konzentrierte Gele einen größeren E-Modul aufwiesen und damit steifer waren. Eine Modifikation der Gele mit Fibronektin beeinflusste die Zellverträglichkeit weder positiv noch negativ und die Zugabe von Kollagen war wegen Entmischungseffekten nicht bewertbar. Es liegt die Vermutung nah, dass eine weitere Reduktion der Polymerkonzentration und damit Verringerung der Gelsteifigkeit der Schlüssel für mehr Zellspreizung und -wachstum ist. Da jedoch die Druckbarkeit des Bioharzes die weitere Senkung des GelMA-Gehalts limitiert, sollten zunächst Methoden entwickelt werden, welche die Netzwerkdichte des GelMAs anderweitig herabsetzen.
Within this thesis, three main approaches for the assessment and investigation of altered hemodynamics like wall shear stress, oscillatory shear index and the arterial pulse wave velocity in atherosclerosis development and progression were conducted:
1. The establishment of a fast method for the simultaneous assessment of 3D WSS and PWV in the complete murine aortic arch via high-resolution 4D-flow MRI
2. The utilization of serial in vivo measurements in atherosclerotic mouse models using high-resolution 4D-flow MRI, which were divided into studies describing altered hemodynamics in late and early atherosclerosis
3. The development of tissue-engineered artery models for the controllable application and variation of hemodynamic and biologic parameters, divided in native artery models and biofabricated artery models, aiming for the investigation of the relationship between atherogenesis and hemodynamics
Chapter 2 describes the establishment of a method for the simultaneous measurement of 3D WSS and PWV in the murine aortic arch at, using ultra high-field MRI at 17.6T [16], based on the previously published method for fast, self-navigated wall shear stress measurements in the murine aortic arch using radial 4D-phase contrast MRI at 17.6 T [4]. This work is based on the collective work of Dr. Patrick Winter, who developed the method and the author of this thesis, Kristina Andelovic, who performed the experiments and statistical analyses. As the method described in this chapter is basis for the following in vivo studies and undividable into the sub-parts of the contributors without losing important information, this chapter was not split into the single parts to provide fundamental information about the measurement and analysis methods and therefore better understandability for the following studies. The main challenge in this chapter was to overcome the issue of the need for a high spatial resolution to determine the velocity gradients at the vascular wall for the WSS quantification and a high temporal resolution for the assessment of the PWV without prolonging the acquisition time due to the need for two separate measurements. Moreover, for a full coverage of the hemodynamics in the murine aortic arch, a 3D measurement is needed, which was achieved by utilization of retrospective navigation and radial trajectories, enabling a highly flexible reconstruction framework to either reconstruct images at lower spatial resolution and higher frame rates for the acquisition of the PWV or higher spatial resolution and lower frame rates for the acquisition of the 3D WSS in a reasonable measurement time of only 35 minutes. This enabled the in vivo assessment of all relevant hemodynamic parameters related to atherosclerosis development and progression in one experimental session. This method was validated in healthy wild type and atherosclerotic Apoe-/- mice, indicating no differences in robustness between pathological and healthy mice.
The heterogeneous distribution of plaque development and arterial stiffening in atherosclerosis [10, 12], however, points out the importance of local PWV measurements. Therefore, future studies should focus on the 3D acquisition of the local PWV in the murine aortic arch based on the presented method, in order to enable spatially resolved correlations of local arterial stiffness with other hemodynamic parameters and plaque composition.
In Chapter 3, the previously established methods were used for the investigation of changing aortic hemodynamics during ageing and atherosclerosis in healthy wild type and atherosclerotic Apoe-/- mice using the previously established methods [4, 16] based on high-resolution 4D-flow MRI. In this work, serial measurements of healthy and atherosclerotic mice were conducted to track all changes in hemodynamics in the complete aortic arch over time. Moreover, spatially resolved 2D projection maps of WSS and OSI of the complete aortic arch were generated. This important feature allowed for the pixel-wise statistical analysis of inter- and intragroup hemodynamic changes over time and most importantly – at a glance. The study revealed converse differences of local hemodynamic profiles in healthy WT and atherosclerotic Apoe−/− mice, with decreasing longWSS and increasing OSI, while showing constant PWV in healthy mice and increasing longWSS and decreasing OSI, while showing increased PWV in diseased mice. Moreover, spatially resolved correlations between WSS, PWV, plaque and vessel wall characteristics were enabled, giving detailed insights into coherences between hemodynamics and plaque composition. Here, the circWSS was identified as a potential marker of plaque size and composition in advanced atherosclerosis. Moreover, correlations with PWV values identified the maximum radStrain could serve as a potential marker for vascular elasticity. This study demonstrated the feasibility and utility of high-resolution 4D flow MRI to spatially resolve, visualize and analyze statistical differences in all relevant hemodynamic parameters over time and between healthy and diseased mice, which could significantly improve our understanding of plaque progression towards vulnerability. In future studies the relation of vascular elasticity and radial strain should be further investigated and validated with local PWV measurements and CFD.
Moreover, the 2D histological datasets were not reflecting the 3D properties and regional characteristics of the atherosclerotic plaques. Therefore, future studies will include 3D plaque volume and composition analysis like morphological measurements with MRI or light-sheet microscopy to further improve the analysis of the relationship between hemodynamics and atherosclerosis.
Chapter 4 aimed at the description and investigation of hemodynamics in early stages of atherosclerosis. Moreover, this study included measurements of hemodynamics at baseline levels in healthy WT and atherosclerotic mouse models. Due to the lack of hemodynamic-related studies in Ldlr-/- mice, which are the most used mouse models in atherosclerosis research together with the Apoe-/- mouse model, this model was included in this study to describe changing hemodynamics in the aortic arch at baseline levels and during early atherosclerosis development and progression for the first time. In this study, distinct differences in aortic geometries of these mouse models at baseline levels were described for the first time, which result in significantly different flow- and WSS profiles in the Ldlr-/- mouse model. Further basal characterization of different parameters revealed only characteristic differences in lipid profiles, proving that the geometry is highly influencing the local WSS in these models. Most interestingly, calculation of the atherogenic index of plasma revealed a significantly higher risk in Ldlr-/- mice with ongoing atherosclerosis development, but significantly greater plaque areas in the aortic arch of Apoe-/- mice. Due to the given basal WSS and OSI profile in these two mouse models – two parameters highly influencing plaque development and progression – there is evidence that the regional plaque development differs between these mouse models during very early atherogenesis.
Therefore, future studies should focus on the spatiotemporal evaluation of plaque development and composition in the three defined aortic regions using morphological measurements with MRI or 3D histological analyses like LSFM. Moreover, this study offers an excellent basis for future studies incorporating CFD simulations, analyzing the different measured parameter combinations (e.g., aortic geometry of the Ldlr-/- mouse with the lipid profile of the Apoe-/- mouse), simulating the resulting plaque development and composition. This could help to understand the complex interplay between altered hemodynamics, serum lipids and atherosclerosis and significantly improve our basic understanding of key factors initiating atherosclerosis development.
Chapter 5 describes the establishment of a tissue-engineered artery model, which is based on native, decellularized porcine carotid artery scaffolds, cultured in a MRI-suitable bioreactor-system [23] for the investigation of hemodynamic-related atherosclerosis development in a controllable manner, using the previously established methods for WSS and PWV assessment [4, 16]. This in vitro artery model aimed for the reduction of animal experiments, while simultaneously offering a simplified, but completely controllable physical and biological environment. For this, a very fast and gentle decellularization protocol was established in a first step, which resulted in porcine carotid artery scaffolds showing complete acellularity while maintaining the extracellular matrix composition, overall ultrastructure and mechanical strength of native arteries. Moreover, a good cellular adhesion and proliferation was achieved, which was evaluated with isolated human blood outgrowth endothelial cells. Most importantly, an MRI-suitable artery chamber was designed for the simultaneous cultivation and assessment of high-resolution 4D hemodynamics in the described artery models. Using high-resolution 4D-flow MRI, the bioreactor system was proven to be suitable to quantify the volume flow, the two components of the WSS and the radStrain as well as the PWV in artery models, with obtained values being comparable to values found in literature for in vivo measurements. Moreover, the identification of first atherosclerotic processes like intimal thickening is achievable by three-dimensional assessment of the vessel wall morphology in the in vitro models. However, one limitation is the lack of a medial smooth muscle cell layer due to the dense ECM. Here, the utilization of the laser-cutting technology for the generation of holes and / or pits on a microscale, eventually enabling seeding of the media with SMCs showed promising results in a first try and should be further investigated in future studies. Therefore, the proposed artery model possesses all relevant components for the extension to an atherosclerosis model which may pave the way towards a significant improvement of our understanding of the key mechanisms in atherogenesis.
Chapter 6 describes the development of an easy-to-prepare, low cost and fully customizable artery model based on biomaterials. Here, thermoresponsive sacrificial scaffolds, processed with the technique of MEW were used for the creation of variable, biomimetic shapes to mimic the geometric properties of the aortic arch, consisting of both, bifurcations and curvatures. After embedding the sacrificial scaffold into a gelatin-hydrogel containing SMCs, it was crosslinked with bacterial transglutaminase before dissolution and flushing of the sacrificial scaffold. The hereby generated channel was subsequently seeded with ECs, resulting in an easy-to-prepare, fast and low-cost artery model. In contrast to the native artery model, this model is therefore more variable in size and shape and offers the possibility to include smooth muscle cells from the beginning. Moreover, a custom-built and highly adaptable perfusion chamber was designed specifically for the scaffold structure, which enabled a one-step creation and simultaneously offering the possibility for dynamic cultivation of the artery models, making it an excellent basis for the development of in vitro disease test systems for e.g., flow-related atherosclerosis research. Due to time constraints, the extension to an atherosclerosis model could not be achieved within the scope of this thesis. Therefore, future studies will focus on the development and validation of an in vitro atherosclerosis model based on the proposed bi- and three-layered artery models.
In conclusion, this thesis paved the way for a fast acquisition and detailed analyses of changing hemodynamics during atherosclerosis development and progression, including spatially resolved analyses of all relevant hemodynamic parameters over time and in between different groups. Moreover, to reduce animal experiments, while gaining control over various parameters influencing atherosclerosis development, promising artery models were established, which have the potential to serve as a new platform for basic atherosclerosis research.
In vitro models mimic the tissue-specific anatomy and play essential roles in personalized medicine and disease treatments. As a sophisticated manufacturing technology, 3D printing overcomes the limitations of traditional technologies and provides an excellent potential for developing in vitro models to mimic native tissue. This thesis aims to investigate the potential of a high-resolution 3D printing technology, melt electrowriting (MEW), for fabricating in vitro models. MEW has a distinct capacity for depositing micron size fibers with a defined design. In this thesis, three approaches were used, including 1) extending the MEW polymer library for different biomedical applications, 2) developing in vitro models for evaluation of cell growth and migration toward the different matrices, and 3) studying the effect of scaffold designs and biochemical cues of microenvironments on cells.
First, we introduce the MEW processability of (AB)n and (ABAC)n segmented copolymers, which have thermally reversible network formulation based on physical crosslinks. Bisurea segments are combined with hydrophobic poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) or hydrophilic poly(propylene oxide)-poly(ethylene oxide)-poly(propylene oxide) (PPO-PEG-PPO) segments to form the (AB)n segmented copolymers. (ABAC)n segmented copolymers contain all three segments: in addition to bisurea, both hydrophobic and hydrophilic segments are available in the same polymer chain, resulting in tunable mechanical and biological behaviors. MEW copolymers either support cells attachment or dissolve without cytotoxic side effects when in contact with the polymers at lower concentrations, indicating that this copolymer class has potential in biological applications. The unique biological and surface properties, transparency, adjustable hydrophilicity of these copolymers could be beneficial in several in vitro models.
The second manuscript addresses the design and development of a melt electrowritten competitive 3D radial migration device. The approach differs from most of the previous literature, as MEW is not used here to produce cell invasive scaffolds but to fabricate an in vitro device. The device is utilized to systematically determine the matrix which promotes cell migration and growth of glioblastoma cells. The glioblastoma cell migration is tested on four different Matrigel concentrations using a melt electrowritten radial device. The glioblastoma U87 cell growth and migration increase at Matrigel concentrations 6 and 8 mg mL-1 In the development of this radial device, the accuracy, and precision of melt electrowritten circular shapes were investigated. The results show that the printing speed and design diameter are essential parameters for the accuracy of printed constructs. It is the first instance where MEW is used for the production of in vitro devices.
The influence of biochemical cues and scaffold designs on astrocytes and glioblastoma is investigated in the last manuscript. A fiber comprising the box and triangle-shaped pores within MEW scaffolds are modified with biochemical cues, including RGD and IKVAV peptides using a reactive NCO-sP(EO-stat-PO) macromer. The results show that astrocytes and glioblastoma cells exhibit different phenotypes on scaffold designs and peptide-coated scaffolds.
This thesis identifies how the printing conditions for a high-resolution additive manufacturing technique, melt electrowriting (MEW), needs to be adjusted to process electroactive polymers (EAPs) into microfibers. Using EAPs based on poly(vinylidene difluoride) (PVDF), their ability to be MEW-processed is studied and expands the list of processable materials for this technology.
The focus of this thesis was to investigate how PCL and PLGA react to the heat exposure that comes with the MEW process over a defined timespan.
To assess the thermal stability of PCL during MEW over 25 d, an automated collection of fibers has been used to determine the CTS on each day of heating for three different temperatures. PCL is exceptionally stable over 25 d at 75 °C, whereas for 85 °C and 95 °C a slight upward trend during the last 10 d could be observed, which is an indication for thermal degradation. Same trend could be observed for diameter of fibers produced at a fixed collector speed. For all temperatures, CTS during the first 5 d decreased due to inhomogeneities of the melt. Physical analysis of the fibers by XRD and mechanical testing showed no significant changes.
To investigate the chemical details of the thermal durability, PCL was artificially aged over 25 d at 75 °C, 85 °C and 95 °C. Data from GPC analysis and rheology revealed that PCL is degrading steadily at all three temperatures. Combined with GC-MS analysis, two different mechanisms for degradation could be observed: random chain scission and unzipping. Additional GPC experiment using a mixture of PCL and a fluorescence labelled PCL showed that PCL was undergoing ester interchange reactions, which could explain its thermal stability.
PLGA was established successfully as material for MEW. GPC results revealed that PLGA degraded heavily in the one-hour preheating period. To reduce the processing temperature, ATEC was blended with PLGA in three mixtures. This slowed down degradation and a processing window of 6 h could be established. Mechanical testing with fibers produced with PLGA and all three blends was performed. PLGA was very brittle, whereas the blends showed an elastic behavior. This could be explained by ester interchange reactions that formed a loosely crosslinked network with ATEC.
This thesis aimed the development of a correlated device which combines FluidFM® with Fluorescence Microscopy (FL) (FL-FluidFM®) and enables the simultaneous quantification of adhesion forces and fluorescent visualization of mature cells. The implementation of a PIFOC was crucial to achieve a high-resolution as well as a stable but dynamic focus level. The functionality of SCFS after hardware modification was verified by comparing two force-curves, both showing the typical force progression and measured with the optimized and conventional hardware, respectively. Then, the integration of FL was examined by detaching fluorescently labeled REF52 cells. The fluorescence illumination of the cytoskeleton showed the expected characteristic force profile and no evidence of interference effects. Afterwards a corresponding correlative data analysis was addressed including manual force step fitting, the identification of visualized cellular unbinding, and a time-dependent correlation. This procedure revealed a link between the area of cytoskeletal unbinding and force-jumps. This was followed by a comparison of the detachment characteristics of intercellular connected HUVECs and individual REF52 cells. HUVECs showed maximum detachment forces in the same order of magnitude as the ones of single REF52 cells. This contrasted with the expected strong cohesiveness of endothelial cells and indicated a lack of cell-cell contact formation. The latter was confirmed by a comparison of HUVECs, primary HBMVECs, and immortalized EA.hy926 cells fluorescently labeled for two marker proteins of intercellular junctions. This unveiled that both the previous cultivation duration and the cell type have a major impact on the development of intercellular junctions. In summary, the correlative FL FluidFM® represents a powerful novel approach, which enables a truly contemporaneous performance and, thus, has the potential to reveal new insights into the mechanobiological properties of cell adhesion.
Der steigende Bedarf an Knochenersatzmaterialien (KEM) in Medizin und Zahnmedizin verdeutlicht die Notwendigkeit der Etablierung weiterer alloplastischer, also synthetisch hergestellter, KEMs. Additive Fertigung ermöglicht die Herstellung patientenspezifischer Implantate. Hierfür wird auf Basis von 3D Bildgebung eines Knochendefekts, ein Implantat mittels CAD geplant und anschließend mittels additiver Fertigung, zum Beispiel durch 3D Pulverdruck hergestellt.
Ziel dieser Arbeit war die Untersuchung des osteogenen Potentials in vitro von Calciummagnesiumphosphatkeramiken mit der allgemeinen Strukturformel CaxMg(3-x)(PO4)2 mit x = 0; 0,25; 0,75; 1,5; 3 aus additiver Fertigung. Hierfür wurden Prüfkörper mittels 3D Pulverdruck gedruckt, anschließend durch Hochtemperatursinterung verfestigt und durch Behandlung mit reaktiven Lösungen nachgehärtet. Abhängig von der reaktiven Lösung wandelte sich die Keramik teilweise in Struvit, Bruschit und Newberyit um. Die biologische Testung in vitro erfolgte mit hFOB 1.19 Zellen und ergab eine gute Biokompatibilität sowie die Ausdifferenzierung osteogener Progenitorzellen für fast alle Keramikphasen, wobei die newberyithaltigen Keramiken tendenziell bessere Ergebnisse erzielten.
As a major component of the articular cartilage extracellular matrix, hyaluronic acid is a widely used biomaterial in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering. According to its well-known interaction with multiple chondrocyte surface receptors which positively affects many cellular pathways, some approaches by combining mesenchymal stem cells and hyaluronic acid-based hydrogels are already driven in the field of cartilage regeneration and fat tissue. Nevertheless, a still remaining major problem is the development of the ideal matrix for this purpose. To generate a hydrogel for the use as a matrix, hyaluronic acid must be chemically modified, either derivatized or crosslinked and the resulting hydrogel is mostly shaped by the mold it is casted in whereas the stem cells are embedded during or after the gelation procedure which does not allow for the generation of zonal hierarchies, cell density or material gradients. This thesis focuses on the synthesis of different hyaluronic acid derivatives and poly(ethylene glycol) crosslinkers and the development of different hydrogel and bioink compositions that allow for adjustment of the printability, integration of growth factors, but also for the material and biological hydrogel, respectively bioink properties.
In kürzlich erschienenen Studien hat sich die Zementformulierung Baghdadit (Ca3ZrSi2O9) durch Eigenschaften wie eine hydraulische Aktivität, Röntgenopazität und bioaktive Wirkung als potenzielles Material für die endodontische Anwendung qualifiziert. Ziel dieser Studie war es, Baghdadit als einphasigen Biozement und in Form verschiedener Materialzusammensetzungen auf vorteilhafte Eigenschaften im Hinblick auf die Anwendung als endodontischen Funktionswerkstoff zu untersuchen. Nach eigenständiger Herstellung des mechanisch aktivierten Zementpulvers Ca3ZrSi2O9, erfolgte die Charakterisierung der verschiedenen Zementformulierungen maBag, Bag100Bru und Bag50Bru hinsichtlich der Injizierbarkeit, des pH-Verlaufs während der Abbindung, der Druckfestigkeit und Phasenzusammensetzung mittels XRD. Daneben wurde Baghdadit zu je drei verschiedenen Gewichtsanteilen als Füllstoff in eine Methacrylat-basierte Matrix integriert und hinsichtlich der Fließfähigkeit entsprechend der Norm DIN EN ISO 6876:2012, des qualitativen Polymerisationsgrads und der Druckfestigkeit geprüft. Mit einer Auswahl der oben genannten Materialien erfolgte die Untersuchung der antibakteriellen Wirksamkeit, der Röntgensichtbarkeit orientierend an der Norm DIN EN ISO 13116:2014 und der Dichtigkeit im Wurzelkanal.
Polymeric Janus Fibers
(2023)
Janus fibers are a class of composite materials comprising mechanical and chemical to biological functionality. Combining different materials and functionalities in one micro- or even nanoscale fiber enables otherwise unreachable synergistic physicochemical effects with unprecedented opportunities for technical or biomedical applications. Here, recent developments of processing technologies and applications of polymeric Janus fibers will be reviewed. Various examples in the fields of textiles, catalysis, sensors as well as medical applications, like drug delivery systems, tissue engineering and antimicrobial materials, are presented to illuminate the outstanding potential of such high-end functional materials for novel applications in the upcoming future.
Zelluläre Resorption 3D-gedruckter Knochenimplantate auf Basis von Calciummagnesiumphosphaten
(2023)
Für die Behandlung von Knochendefekten kritischer Größe gibt es heute eine Reihe von Therapiemöglichkeiten. Neuartige Ansätze mit Magnesiumphosphat- (MPC) und Calciummagnesiumphosphatzementen (CMPC) haben sich als echte Alternativen zu den etablierten Calciumphosphaten erwiesen.
Ziel war es, die Osteoklastogenese in vitro auf 3D-pulvergedrucktem CMPC und MPC zu induzieren und die zelluläre Resorption (zR) zu analysieren. Polystyrol (PS), Glas, β-TCP und Brushit-bildender Zement dienten als Referenzen.
Als Proben wurden Zemente der allgemeinen stöchiometrischen Summenformel CaxMg(3–x)(PO4)2 (x = 0; 0,25; 0,75; 3) verwendet, die Struvit oder Newberyit enthielten. Für die Osteoklastogenese wurden monozytenangereicherte PBMCs aus Buffy-Coat mittels dreifacher Dichtegradientenzentrifugation isoliert, auf die Prüfoberflächen ausgesät und über einen Zeitraum von 22 Tagen mit Zytokinen (M-CSF und RANKL) stimuliert. Die Interaktion der Zellen mit den Zementen bzw. PS/Glas wurde mittels TRAP-Färbung und -Aktivität, DNA- und Ionenkonzentrationen (Ca2+, Mg2+, PO43–, pH-Wert), Rasterelektronen-, Durchlicht-, Auflicht- und Fluoreszenzmikroskopie analysiert.
Auf den Struvit- und Newberyit-bildenden Zementen konnten keine für Osteoklasten typischen Riesenzellen nachgewiesen werden. Auf den Struvit-bildenden Zementen wurde deutlich mehr mononukleäre Zellen nachgewiesen wurden als auf den Newberyit-bildenden Zementen. Während die Freisetzung von Mg2+ und PO43– ausschließlich durch die chemische Degradation erfolgte, wurde Ca2+ zunächst adsorbiert und anschließend durch zR freigesetzt. Die erhöhte Ca2+-Adsorption im Vergleich zur Ca2+-Resorption führte insgesamt zu einer Calcium-Präzipitation.
Da lediglich auf β-TCP Resorptionslakunen beobachtet wurden, wird angenommen, dass auf den CMPC, MPC und Brushite-bildenden Zementen die zellvermittelte Ca2+-Freisetzung von den Präzipitaten ausging, die von Makrophagen auf den Zementen und/oder Riesenzellen auf den Wellplatten resorbiert wurden.
Mineral biocements are brittle materials, which usually results in catastrophic failure during mechanical loading. Here, previous works demonstrated the feasibility of reducing brittleness by a dual-setting approach, in which a silica sol was simultaneously gelled during the setting of a brushite forming cement. The current thesis aimed at further improving this concept by both using a novel silicate based cement matrix for an enhanced bonding between cement and silica matrix as well as multifunctional silica precursors to increase the network density of the gel. Due to its well-known biocompatibility and osteogenic regeneration capacity, baghdadite was chosen as mineral component of such composites. This required in a first approach the conversion of baghdadite ceramics into self-setting cement formulations. This was investigated initially by using baghdadite as reactive filler in a brushite forming cement (Chapter 4). Here, the ß-TCP component in a equimolar mixture of ß-TCP and acidic monocalcium phosphate anhydrous was subsequently replaced by baghdadite at various concentrations (0, 5, 10, 20, 30, 50, and 100 wt%) to study the influence on physicochemical cement properties such as mechanical performance, radiopacity, phase composition and microstructure. X-ray diffraction profiles demonstrated the dissolution of baghdadite during the cement reaction without affecting the crystal structure of the precipitated brushite phase. In addition, EDX analysis showed that calcium is homogeneously distributed in the cement matrix, while zirconium and silicon form cluster-like aggregates ranging in size from a few micrometers to more than 50 µm. X-ray images and µ-CT analyses indicate improved X-ray visibility with increased incorporation of baghdadite in brushite cement, with an aluminum equivalent thickness nearly doubling at a baghdadite content of 50 wt%. At the same time, the compressive strength of brushite cement increased from 12.9 ± 3.1 MPa to 21.1 ± 4.1 MPa at a baghdadite content of 10 wt%. Cell culture medium conditioned with powdered brushite cement approached physiological pH values when increasing amounts of baghdadite were added to the cement (pH = 6.47 for pure brushite, pH = 7.02 for brushite with 20 wt% baghdadite substitution). Baghdadite substitution also affected the ion content in the culture medium and thus the proliferation activity of primary human osteoblasts in vitro. The results demonstrated for the first time the suitability of baghdadite as a reactive cement additive for improving the radiopacity, mechanical performance, and cytocompatibility of brushite cements.
A second approach (Chapter 5) aimed to produce single component baghdadite cements by an increase of baghdadite solubility to initiate a self-setting cement reaction. For this, the material was mechanically activated by longer grinding times of up to 24h leading to both a decrease in particle and crystallite size as well as a partial amorphization of baghdadite. Baghdadite cements were formed by adding water at a powder to liquid ratio of 2.0 g/ml. Maximum compressive strengths were determined to be ~2 MPa after 3 days of setting for a 24-hour ground material. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) measurements showed an incongruent dissolution profile of the set cements, with preferential dissolution of calcium and only minor release of zirconium ions. Cement formation occurs under alkaline conditions, with the unground raw powder resulting in a pH of 11.9 during setting, while prolonged grinding increases the pH to about 12.3.
Finally, mechanically activated baghdadite cements were combined with inorganic silica networks (Chapter 6) to create dual-setting cements with a further improvement of mechanical performance. While a modification of the cement pastes with a TEOS derived sol was already thought to improve strength, it was hypothesized that using multi-arm silica precursors can further enhance their mechanical performance due to a higher network density. In addition, this should also reduce pore size of both gels and cement and hence will be able to adjust the release kinetics of incorporated drugs. For this, multi-armed silica precursors were synthesized by the reaction of various multivalent alcohols (ethylene glycol, glycerine, pentaerythrit) with an isocyanate modified silica precursor. After hydrolysis under acidic conditions, the sols were mixed with baghdadite cement powders in order to allow a simultaneous gel formation and cement setting. Since the silica monomers have a high degree of linkage sites, this resulted in a branched network that interpenetrated with the growing cement crystals. In addition to minor changes in the crystalline phase composition as determined by X-ray diffraction, the novel composites exhibited improved mechanical properties with up to 20 times higher compressive strength and further benefit from an about 50% lower overall porosity than the reference pure baghdadite cement. In addition, the initial burst release of the model drug vancomycin was completely inhibited by the added silica matrix. This observation was verified by testing for the antimicrobial activity with Staphylococcus aureus by measuring the inhibition zones of selected samples after 24 h and 48 h, whereas the antimicrobial effectiveness of a constant vancomycin release could be demonstrated.
The current thesis clearly demonstrated the high potential of baghdadite as a cement formulation for medical application. The initially poor mechanical properties of such cements can be overcome by special processing techniques or by combination with silica networks. The achieved mechanical performance is > 10 MPa and hence suitable for bone replacement under non-load bearing conditions. The high intrinsic radiopacity as well as the alkaline pH during setting may open the way ahead to further dental applications, e.g. as root canal sealers or filler in dental composites. Here, the high pH is thought to lead to antimicrobial properties of such materials similar to commonly applied calcium hydroxide or calcium silicates, however combined with an intrinsic radiopacity for X-ray imaging. This would simplify such formulations to single component materials which are less susceptible to demixing processes during transport, storage or processing.
Heutige chirurgische Situationen können zeitweise den Einsatz eines Knochenkleber erfordern, welcher sich jedoch noch nicht in der klinischen Praxis etablieren konnte. In jüngster Vergangenheit haben mit Phosphoserin modifizierte Zemente (PMC) auf der Grundlage von Verbindungen zwischen o-Phosphoserin (OPLS) und Calciumphosphaten wie Tetracalciumphosphat (TTCP) oder α-Tricalciumphosphat (α-TCP) an Popularität gewonnen. Ebenso bekommen chelatbildende Magnesiumphosphatzemente als mineralische Knochenadhäsive mehr Zuspruch. In dieser Arbeit wurden neue mineralorganische Knochenzemente auf der Basis von Phosphoserin und Magnesiumphosphaten oder -oxiden untersucht, die hervorragende Hafteigenschaften besitzen. Diese wurden mittels Röntgenbeugung, Fourier-Infrarot-Spektroskopie und Elektronenmikroskopie analysiert und mechanischen Tests unterzogen, um die Haftfestigkeit am Knochen nach Alterung unter physiologischen Bedingungen zu bestimmen. Die neuartigen biomineralischen Klebstoffe zeigen eine ausgezeichnete Haftfestigkeit an Knochen mit etwa 6,6-7,3 MPa unter Scherbelastung. Die Adhäsive sind auch aufgrund ihres kohäsiven Versagensmusters und ihres duktilen Charakters vielversprechend. In diesem Zusammenhang sind die neuen adhäsiven Zemente den derzeit vorherrschenden Knochenadhäsiven überlegen. Ergänzend wurde versucht, dieses neue System mit unterschiedlichen Additiven zu modifizieren. Dabei wurde Mannit erfolgreich als Porogen verwendet. Dreiarmiges sternförmiges NCO-sP(EO-stat-PO) sollte die adhäsiven Eigenschaften und das Leistungspotenzial unter Wasser verbessern. Zuletzt wurden mit Glycerol präfabrizierte Pasten hergestellt, welche gelagert werden können und bei Kontakt mit Wasser aushärten. Generell ist zu betonen, dass künftige Bemühungen um Knochenklebstoffe aus Phosphoserin und Mg2+ sehr lohnenswert erscheinen.
The human body has very good self-healing capabilities for numerous different injuries to a variety of different tissues. This includes the main human mechanical framework, the skeleton. The skeleton is limited in its healing without additional aid by medicine mostly by the defect size. When the defect reaches a size above 2.5 cm the regeneration of the defect ends up faulty. Here is where implants, defect fillers and other support approaches developed in medicine can help the body to heal the big defect still successfully.
Usually sturdy implants (auto-/allo-/xenogenic) are implanted in the defect to bridge the distance, but for auto- and allogenic implants a suitable donor site must be found and for all sources the implant needs to be shaped into the defect specific site to ensure a perfect fit, the best support and good healing. This shaping is very time consuming and prone to error, already in the planning phase. The use of a material that is moldable and sets in the desired shape shortly after applying negates these disadvantages. Cementitious materials offer exactly this property by being in a pasty stage after the powder and liquid components have been mixed and the subsequently hardening to a solid implant. These properties also enable the extrusion, and therefore may also enable the injection, of the cement via a syringe in a minimal invasive approach.
To enable a good injection of the cement modifications are necessary. This work aimed to modify commonly used calcium phosphate-based cement systems based on α-TCP (apatitic) and β-TCP (brushitic). These have been modified with sodium phytate and phytic acid, respectively. Additionally, the α-TCP system has been modified with sodium pyrophosphate, in a second study, to create a storable aqueous paste that can be activated once needed with a highly concentrated sodium orthophosphate solution.
The powder phase of the α-TCP cement system consisted of nine parts α-TCP and one part CDHA. These were prepared to have different particle sizes and therefore enable a better powder flowability through the bimodal size distribution. α-TCP had a main particle size of 20 μm and CDHA of 2.6 μm. The modification with sodium phytate led to an adsorption of phytate ions on the surface of the α-TCP particles, where they started to form complexes with the Ca2+ ions in the solution. This adsorption had two effects. The first was to make the calcium ions unavailable, preventing supersaturation and ultimately the precipitation of CDHA what would lead to the cement hardening. The second was the increase of the absolute value of the surface charge, zeta potential, of the powder in the cement paste. Here a decrease from +3 mV to -40 mV could be measured. A strong value for the zeta potential leads to a higher repulsion of similarly charged particles and therefore prevents powder agglomeration and clogging on the nozzle during injection. These two modifications (bimodal particles size distribution and phytic acid) lead to a significant increase in the paste injectability. The unmodified paste was injectable for 30 % only, where all modified pastes were practically fully injectable ~90 % (the residual paste remained in the nozzle, while the syringe plunger already reached the end of the syringe).
A very similar observation could be made for the β-TCP system. This system was modified with phytic acid. The zeta potential was decreased even stronger from -10 ± 1.5 mV to -71.5 ± 12 mV. The adsorption of the phytate ions and subsequent formation of chelate complexes with the newly dissolved Ca2+ ions also showed a retarding effect in the cements setting reaction. Where the unmodified cement was not measurable in the rheometer, as the reaction was faster than the measurement setup (~1.5 min), the modified cements showed a transition through the gel point between 3-6 min. This means the pastes stayed between 2 and 4 times longer viscous than without the modification. Like with the first cement system also here the effects of the phytate addition showed its beneficial influence in the injectability measurement. The unmodified cement was not injectable at all, due to the same issue already encountered at the rheology measurements, but all modified pastes were fully injectable for at least 5 min (lowest phytate concentration) and at least 10 min (all other concentrations) after the mixing of powder and liquid.
The main goal of the last modification with sodium pyrophosphate was to create a paste that was stable in aqueous environment without setting until the activation takes place, but it should still show good injectability as this was the desired way of application after activation. Like before also the zeta potential changed after the addition of pyrophosphate. It could be lowered from -22 ± 2mV down to -61 to -68 ± 4mV (depending on the pyrophosphate concentration). The pastes were stored in airtight containers at room temperature and checked for their phase composition over 14 days. The unmodified paste showed a beginning phase conversion to hydroxyapatite between 7 and 14 days. All other pastes were still stable and unreacted. The pastes were activated with a high concentrated (30 wt%) sodium orthophosphate solution. After the activation the pastes were checked for their injectability and showed an increase from -57 ± 11% for the unmodified paste to -89 ± 3% (practically fully injectable as described earlier) for the best modified paste (PP005).
It can be concluded that the goal of enabling full injection of conventional calcium phosphate bone cement systems was reached. Additional work produced a storage stable paste that still ensures full injectability. Subsequent work already used the storable paste and modified it with hyaluronic acid to create an ink for 3D extrusion printing. The first two cement systems have also already been investigated in cell culture for their influence on osteoblasts and osteoclasts. The next steps would have to go more into the direction of translation. Figuring out what properties still need to be checked and where the modification needs adjustment to enable a clinical use of the presented systems.
Im Rahmen dieser Arbeit sollte herausgefunden werden, inwiefern Calciumorthophosphatzemente (CPC) dafür geeignet sind, um als Prüfkörper zur Qualifizierung von Knochenklebern zu dienen, und worin ihre Limitationen bestehen. Dazu sollte nicht nur ein materieller Vergleich verschiedener hydroxylapatitbildender Zemente mit Knochen erfolgen. Es sollte auch das Adhäsionsverhalten neuartiger Knochenkleber auf den verschiedenen Prüfkörpermaterialien verglichen werden, um mögliche Rückschlüsse für die Eignung als standardisierbares in-vitro Prüfkörpermaterial ziehen zu können.
Gegenstand der Untersuchung war ein α-Tricalciumphosphat (α-TCP)-System und ein Tetracalciumphosphat (TTCP)-System welche im Rahmen einer Zement-Abbindereaktion calciumdefizitären Hydroxylapatit (CDHA) bzw. stöchiometrischen Hydroxylapatit (HA) bilden. Die Materialien wurden dazu verwendet Prüfkörperteile in Form von Zylindern (5 x 5 mm) und Plättchen (20 x 10 x 5 mm) herzustellen, die dann mit verschiedenen Knochenklebern verklebt werden konnten. Der stärkste der verwendeten Kleber war ein Cyanoacrylat-Kleber (Truglue®). Er erzielte auf Prüfkörpern aus Knochen nach 24-stündiger Lagerung in PBS mittlere Abscherfestigkeiten von ca. 4,22 ± 1,92 MPa. Als zweitstärkster Kleber erwies sich ein neuartiger zementbasierter Kleber, der aus wärmebehandeltem Trimagnesiumphosphat-Hydrat und Phosphoserin bestand. Dieser Kleber erzielte unter den gleichen Umständen mittlere Abscherfestigkeiten von ca. 1,89 ± 0,29 MPa. Etwas schwächer schnitt ein ebenfalls neuartiger zementbasierter Kleber ab, der aus dem Magnesiumphosphat Farringtonit, sowie aus Magnesiumoxid und 25 % Phytinsäure bestand. Dieser Kleber erzielte mittlere Abscherfestigkeiten von ca. 0,51 ± 0,16 MPa. Insgesamt haben die Untersuchungen gezeigt, dass die in-vitro Qualifizierung von Knochenklebern unter Verwendung von Prüfkörpern aus Zement möglich wäre. Die Prüfkörper aus CDHA vereinten die meisten Vorteile und wären für Klebesysteme mit Abscherfestigkeiten von bis zu 2 MPa geeignet. Dabei erzeugten die Knochenkleber auf CDHA zwar abweichende Abscherfestigkeiten als auf Knochen, doch ließ sich ein vergleichbarer Trend bei stets reduzierten Varianzen erkennen. Durch die gute Konsistenz der Zementpaste war die Herstellung homogener Prüfkörper möglich. Aufgrund der Stabilität von CDHA unter wässrigen Bedingungen konnten Langzeitversuche ohne Einschränkungen vorgenommen werden. Die Limitationen der Prüfkörper aus CDHA bestanden allerdings darin, dass sie nicht für Abscherversuche von stärkeren Klebern geeignet waren. In solchen Fällen versagten die Prüfkörper noch bevor die maximale Abscherfestigkeit des jeweiligen Klebers gemessen werden konnte.
Das Ziel der experimentellen Studie war die Erprobung der (bereits in vitro erfolgreich getesteten) Ca(OH)2-Beschichtung In vivo unter dem Aspekt, ob und inwieweit die antibakteriellen und somit auch antiinflammatorischen bzw. entzündungsmoderierenden Eigenschaften der Ca(OH)2-Beschichtung eine sinnvolle und effektive Ergänzung zu den bisher erfolgreich eingesetzten Calciumphosphat(CaP)-Beschichtungen mit bewiesenen, guten proosseointegrativen Eigenschaften bei lasttragenden Implantaten sein können.
Zusammenfassend kann festgestellt werden, dass die Ergebnisse der In vitro Untersuchung durch die In vivo Versuche in den Bereichen 0-100 KBE grundsätzlich als gestützt gelten können. Die Zuverlässigkeit der Wirkung durch Ca(OH)2 nimmt jedoch mit steigender KBE-Zahl ab, sodass weitere Testreihen sinnvoll sind.
Augmenting the vascular supply to generate new tissues, a crucial aspect in regenerative medicine, has been challenging. Recently, our group showed that calcium phosphate can induce the formation of a functional neo-angiosome without the need for microsurgical arterial anastomosis. This was a preclinical proof of concept for biomaterial-induced luminal sprouting of large-diameter vessels. In this study, we investigated if sprouting was a general response to surgical injury or placement of an inorganic construct around the vessel. Cylindrical biocement scaffolds of differing chemistries were placed around the femoral vein. A contrast agent was used to visualize vessel ingrowth into the scaffolds. Cell populations in the scaffold were mapped using immunohistochemistry. Calcium phosphate scaffolds induced 2.7–3 times greater volume of blood vessels than calcium sulphate or magnesium phosphate scaffolds. Macrophage and vSMC populations were identified that changed spatially and temporally within the scaffold during implantation. NLRP3 inflammasome activation peaked at weeks 2 and 4 and then declined; however, IL-1β expression was sustained over the course of the experiment. IL-8, a promoter of angiogenesis, was also detected, and together, these responses suggest a role of sterile inflammation. Unexpectedly, the effect was distinct from an injury response as a result of surgical placement and also was not simply a foreign body reaction as a result of placing a rigid bioceramic next to a vein, since, while the materials tested had similar microstructures, only the calcium phosphates tested elicited an angiogenic response. This finding then reveals a potential path towards a new strategy for creating better pro-regenerative biomaterials.
Present surgical situations require a bone adhesive which has not yet been developed for use in clinical applications. Recently, phosphoserine modified cements (PMC) based on mixtures of o-phosphoserine (OPLS) and calcium phosphates, such as tetracalcium phosphate (TTCP) or α-tricalcium phosphate (α-TCP) as well as chelate setting magnesium phosphate cements have gained increasing popularity for their use as mineral bone adhesives. Here, we investigated new mineral-organic bone cements based on phosphoserine and magnesium phosphates or oxides, which possess excellent adhesive properties. These were analyzed by X-ray diffraction, Fourier infrared spectroscopy and electron microscopy and subjected to mechanical tests to determine the bond strength to bone after ageing at physiological conditions. The novel biomineral adhesives demonstrate excellent bond strength to bone with approximately 6.6–7.3 MPa under shear load. The adhesives are also promising due to their cohesive failure pattern and ductile character. In this context, the new adhesive cements are superior to currently prevailing bone adhesives. Future efforts on bone adhesives made from phosphoserine and Mg2+ appear to be very worthwhile.
In this thesis, non-modified POx, namely PnPrOx and PcycloPrOx, with an LCST in the physiological range between 20 and 37°C have been utilized as materials for three different biofabrication approaches. Their thermoresponsive behavior and processability were exploited to establish an easy-to-apply coating for cell sheet engineering, a novel method to create biomimetic scaffolds based on aligned fibrils via Melt Electrowriting (MEW) and the application of melt electrowritten sacrificial scaffolds for microchannel creation for hydrogels.
Chapter 3 describes the establishment of a thermoresponsive coating for tissue culture plates. Here, PnPrOx was simply dissolved in water and dried in well plates and petri dishes in an oven. PnPrOx adsorbed to the surface, and the addition of warm media generated a cell culture compatible coating. It was shown that different cell types were able to attach and proliferate. After confluency, temperature reduction led to the detachment of cell sheets. Compared to standard procedures for surface coating, the thermoresponsive polymer is not bound covalently to the surface and therefore does not require specialized equipment and chemical knowledge. However, it should be noted that the detachment of the cell layer requires the dissolution of the PnPrOx-coating, leading to possible polymer contamination. Although it is only a small amount of polymer dissolved in the media, the detached cell sheets need to be washed by media exchange for further processing if required. ...
3D bioprinting often involves application of highly concentrated polymeric bioinks to enable fabrication of stable cell-hydrogel constructs, although poor cell survival, compromised stem cell differentiation, and an inhomogeneous distribution of newly produced extracellular matrix (ECM) are frequently observed. Therefore, this study presents a bioink platform using a new versatile dual-stage crosslinking approach based on thiolated hyaluronic acid (HA-SH), which not only provides stand-alone 3D printability but also facilitates effective chondrogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stromal cells. A range of HA-SH with different molecular weights is synthesized and crosslinked with acrylated (PEG-diacryl) and allylated (PEG-diallyl) polyethylene glycol in a two-step reaction scheme. The initial Michael addition is used to achieve ink printability, followed by UV-mediated thiol–ene reaction to stabilize the printed bioink for long-term cell culture. Bioinks with high molecular weight HA-SH (>200 kDa) require comparably low polymer content to facilitate bioprinting. This leads to superior quality of cartilaginous constructs which possess a coherent ECM and a strongly increased stiffness of long-term cultured constructs. The dual-stage system may serve as an example to design platforms using two independent crosslinking reactions at one functional group, which allows adjusting printability as well as material and biological properties of bioinks.
In modern medicine hip and knee joint replacement are common surgical procedures. However, about 11 % of hip implants and about 7 % of knee implants need re-operations. The comparison of implant registers revealed two major indications for re-operations: aseptic loosening and implant infections, that both severely impact the patients’ health and are an economic burden for the health care system. To address these problems, a calcium hydroxide coating on titanium was investigated in this thesis. Calcium hydroxide is a well-known antibacterial agent and used with success in dentistry. The coatings were applied with electrochemically assisted deposition, a versatile tool that combines easiness of process with the ability to coat complex geometries homogeneously. The pH-gradient during coating was investigated and showed the surface confinement of the coating process. Surface pre-treatment altered the surface morphology and chemistry of the titanium substrates and was shown to affect the morphology of the calcium hydroxide coatings. The influence of the coating parameters stirring speed and current pulsing were examined in various configurations and combinations and could also affect the surface morphology. A change in surface morphology results in a changed adhesion and behavior of cells and bacteria. Thus, the parameters surface pre-treatment, stirring speed and current pulsing presented a toolset for tailoring cellular response and antibacterial properties. Microbiological tests with S. aureus and S. epidermidis were performed to test the time-dependent antibacterial activity of the calcium hydroxide coatings. A reduction of both strains could be achieved for 13 h, which makes calcium hydroxide a promising antibacterial coating. To give insight into biofilm growth, a protocol for biofilm staining was investigated on titanium disks with S. aureus and S. epidermidis. Biofilm growth could be detected after 5 days of bacterial incubation, which was much earlier than the 3 weeks that are currently assumed in medical treatment. Thus, it should be considered to treat infections as if a biofilm were present from day 5 on. The ephemeral antibacterial properties of calcium hydroxide were further enhanced and prolonged with the addition of silver and copper ions. Both ionic modifications significantly enhanced the bactericidal potential. The copper modification showed higher antibacterial effects than the silver modification and had a higher cytocompatibility which was comparable to the pure calcium hydroxide coating. Thus, copper ions are an auspicious option to enhance the antibacterial properties. Calcium hydroxide coatings presented in this thesis have promising antibacterial properties and can easily be applied to complex geometries, thus they are a step in fighting aseptic loosening and implant infections.
In the field of biofabrication, biopolymer-based hydrogels are often used as bulk materials with defined structures or as bioinks. Despite their excellent biocompatibility, biopolymers need chemical modification to fulfill mechanical stability.
In this thesis, the primary alcohol of hyaluronic acid was oxidized using TEMPO/TCC oxidation to generate aldehyde groups without ring-opening mechanism of glycol cleavage using sodium periodate. For crosslinking reaction of the aldehyde groups, adipic acid dihydrazide was used as bivalent crosslinker for Schiff Base chemistry. This hydrogel system with fast and reversible crosslinking mechanism was used successfully as bulk hydrogel for chondrogenic differentiation with human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC).
Gelatin was modified with pentenoic acid for crosslinking reaction via light controllable thiol-ene reaction, using thiolated 4-arm sPEG as multivalent crosslinker. Due to preservation of the thermo responsive property of gelatin by avoiding chain degradation during modification reaction, this gelatin-based hydrogel system was successfully processed via 3D printing with low polymer concentration. Good cell viability was achieved using hMSC in various concentrations after 3D bioprinting and chondrogenic differentiation showed promising results.
3D neuronal cultures attempt to better replicate the in vivo environment to study neurological/neurodegenerative diseases compared to 2D models. A challenge to establish 3D neuron culture models is the low elastic modulus (30–500 Pa) of the native brain. Here, an ultra-soft matrix based on thiolated hyaluronic acid (HA-SH) reinforced with a microfiber frame is formulated and used. Hyaluronic acid represents an essential component of the brain extracellular matrix (ECM). Box-shaped frames with a microfiber spacing of 200 µm composed of 10-layers of poly(ɛ-caprolactone) (PCL) microfibers (9.7 ± 0.2 µm) made via melt electrowriting (MEW) are used to reinforce the HA-SH matrix which has an elastic modulus of 95 Pa. The neuronal viability is low in pure HA-SH matrix, however, when astrocytes are pre-seeded below this reinforced construct, they significantly support neuronal survival, network formation quantified by neurite length, and neuronal firing shown by Ca\(^{2+}\) imaging. The astrocyte-seeded HA-SH matrix is able to match the neuronal viability to the level of Matrigel, a gold standard matrix for neuronal culture for over two decades. Thus, this 3D MEW frame reinforced HA-SH composite with neurons and astrocytes constitutes a reliable and reproducible system to further study brain diseases.
Das Ziel der vorliegenden Arbeit war, die Gefrierstrukturierung von Biopolymer-Keramik-Kompositen zur Nachahmung von osteochondralem Gewebe zu untersuchen. Dies diente der Forschung an alternativen Therapiemethoden zur Regeneration von osteochondralen Defekten, da durch derzeitige Therapien oftmals nur ein minderwertiger Reparaturknorpel gebildet wird und keine langfristigen Erfolge erzielt werden. Die Herstellung der Proben zur Nachahmung von osteochondralem Gewebe erfolgte mit der Technik der Gefrierstrukturierung, wodurch anisotrope und hoch geordnete Systeme erhalten wurden. Im Rahmen einer systematischen Untersuchung wurden mehrere Parameter, wie beispielsweise der externe Temperaturgradient, variiert und deren Auswirkungen auf die Proben untersucht. Im ersten Versuchsteil wurde die bidirektionale Gefrierstrukturierung untersucht, um die Morphologie der hergestellten Proben zu optimieren. Anschließend wurden zweischichtige Alginat- bzw. Kollagen-Bruschit-Systeme zur Nachahmung von osteochondralem Gewebe hergestellt. Die erste Schicht sollte Knochen imitieren, während die zweite Schicht Knorpel nachahmte. Die Morphologie der hergestellten Proben wurde unter dem Stereo- und Rasterelektronenmikroskop untersucht. Zur Untersuchung des mechanischen Verbundes zwischen den Schichten wurden Zugversuche durchgeführt. Alle hergestellten Systeme waren hoch geordnet und anisotrop. Die zweischichtigen Systeme wiesen einen Verbund beider Schichten auf und durch die Variation verschiedenster Parameter konnte ein näheres Verständnis des Einflusses dieser auf die Probenmorphologie erlangt werden.
The objective of this thesis was the synthesis and characterisation of two linear multifunctional PEG-alternatives for bioconjugation and hydrogel formation: i) Hydrophilic acrylate based copolymers containing peptide binding units and ii) hydrophilic polyether based copolymers containing different functional groups for a physical crosslinking.
In section 3.1 the successful synthesis of water soluble and linear acrylate based polymers containing oligo(ethylene glycol) methyl ether acrylate with either linear thioester functional 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate, thiolactone acrylamide, or vinyl azlactone via the living radical polymerisation technique Reversible Addition Fragmentation Chain Transfer (RAFT) and via free-radical polymerisation is described. The obtained polymers were characterized via GPC, 1H NMR, IR and RAMAN spectroscopy.
The RAFT end group was found to be difficult to remove from these short polymer chains and accordingly underwent the undesired side reaction aminolysis with the peptide during the conjugation studies. Besides that, polymers without RAFT end groups did not show any binding of the peptide at the thioester groups, which can be improved in future by using higher reactant concentrations and higher amount of binding units at the polymer. Polymers containing the highly reactive azlactone group showed a peptide binding of 19 %, but unfortunately this function also underwent spontaneous hydrolysis before the peptide could even be bound. In all cases, oligo(ethylene glycol) methyl ether acrylate was used with a relatively high molecular weight (Mn = 480 Da) was used, which eventually was efficiently shielding the introduced binding units from the added peptide. In future, a shorter monomer with Mn = 300 Da or less or hydrophilic N,N’-dialkyl acrylamide based polymers with less steric hindrance could be used to improve this bioconjugation system. Additionally, the amount of monomers containing peptide binding units in the polymer can be increased and have an additional spacer to achieve higher loading efficiency.
The water soluble, linear and short polyether based polymers, so called polyglycidols, were successfully synthesized and modified as described in section 3.2. The obtained polymers were characterized using GPC, 1H NMR, 31P{1H} NMR, IR, and RAMAN spectroscopy. The allyl groups which were present up to 20 % were used for radical induced thiol-ene chemistry for the introduction of functional groups intended for the formation of the physically crosslinking hydrogels. For the positively charged polymers, first a chloride group had to be introduced for the subsequent nucleophilic substitution with the imidazolium compound. There, degrees of modifications were found in the range 40-97 % due to the repulsion forces of the charges, decreased concentration of active chloride groups, and limiting solution concentrations of the polymer for this reaction. For the negatively charged polymers, first a protected phosphonamide moiety was introduced with a deprotection step afterwards showing 100 % conversion for all reactions. Preliminary hydrogel tests did not show a formation of a three-dimensional network of the polymer chains which was attributed to the short backbone length of the used polymers, but the gained knowledge about the synthetic routes for the modification of the polymer was successfully transferred to longer linear polyglycidols. The same applies to the introduction of electron rich and electron poor compounds showing π-π stacking interactions by UV-vis spectroscopy.
Finally, long linear polyglycidyl ethers were synthesised successfully up to molecular weights of Mn ~ 30 kDa in section 3.3, which was also proven by GPC, 1H NMR, IR and RAMAN spectroscopy. This applies to the homopolymerisation of ethoxyethyl glycidyl ether, allyl glycidyl ether and their copolymerisation with an amount of the allyl compound ~ 10 %. Attempts for higher molecular weights up to 100 kDa showed an uncontrolled polymerisation behaviour and eventually can be improved in future by choosing a lower initiation temperature. Also, the allyl side groups were modified via radical induced thiol-ene chemistry to obtain positively charged functionalities via imidazolium moieties (85 %) and negatively charged functionalities via phosphonamide moieties (100 %) with quantitative degree of modifications. Hydrogel tests have still shown a remaining solution by using long linear polyglycidols carrying negative charges with long/short linear polyglycidols carrying positive charges. The addition of calcium chloride led to a precipitate of the polymer instead of a three-dimensional network formation representing a too high concentration of ions and therefore shielding water molecules with prevention from dissolving the polymer. These systems can be improved by tuning the polymers structure like longer polymer chains, longer spacer between polymer backbone and charge, and higher amount of functional groups.
The objective of the thesis was partly reached containing detailed investigated synthetic routes for the design and characterisation of functional polymers which could be used in future with improvements for bioconjugation and hydrogel formation tests.
In 3D bioprinting for cartilage regeneration, bioinks that support chondrogenic development are of key importance. Growth factors covalently bound in non-printable hydrogels have been shown to effectively promote chondrogenesis. However, studies that investigate the functionality of tethered growth factors within 3D printable bioinks are still lacking. Therefore, in this study, we established a dual-stage crosslinked hyaluronic acid-based bioink that enabled covalent tethering of transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1). Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) were cultured over three weeks in vitro, and chondrogenic differentiation of MSCs within bioink constructs with tethered TGF-β1 was markedly enhanced, as compared to constructs with non-covalently incorporated TGF-β1. This was substantiated with regard to early TGF-β1 signaling, chondrogenic gene expression, qualitative and quantitative ECM deposition and distribution, and resulting construct stiffness. Furthermore, it was successfully demonstrated, in a comparative analysis of cast and printed bioinks, that covalently tethered TGF-β1 maintained its functionality after 3D printing. Taken together, the presented ink composition enabled the generation of high-quality cartilaginous tissues without the need for continuous exogenous growth factor supply and, thus, bears great potential for future investigation towards cartilage regeneration. Furthermore, growth factor tethering within bioinks, potentially leading to superior tissue development, may also be explored for other biofabrication applications.
A multitude of human tissues, such as bones, tendons, or muscles, are characterized by a hierarchical and highly ordered structure. In many cases, the loss of these tissues requires reconstruction using biocompatible replacement materials. In the field of bone replacement, the pore structure of the material has a crucial influence. Anisotropic porosity would have the advantage of facilitating the ingrowth of cells and newly formed blood vessels as well as the transport of nutrients.
In this thesis, scaffolds with a highly ordered and anisotropic pore structure were fabricated using unidirectional freezing.
Systematic investigations were carried out on biopolymer solutions (alginate and chitosan) to gain a deeper understanding of the freeze-structuring process. The knowledge gained was then applied to the development of anisotropically structured bone substitute materials. Here, the previously existing material platform for anisotropically structured calcium phosphates was extended to low-temperature phases such as calcium deficient hydroxyapatite (CDHA) or the secondary phosphates monetite and brushite.
After the implantation of a biomaterial, the inevitably triggered initial immune response plays a key role in the success of a graft, with immune cells such as neutrophils or macrophages being of particular importance. In this thesis, the influence of anisotropically structured alpha-TCP and CDHA scaffolds as well as their unstructured references on human monocytes/macrophages was investigated. Macrophages produced extracellular traps (ETs) due to mineral nanoparticles formed by the binding of phosphate and calcium ions to human platelet lysate. In particular, incubation of alpha-TCP samples in lysate containing cell culture medium resulted in pronounced particle formation and enhanced release of ETs.
Knorpeldefekte gelten in der Medizin als besonders schwierig zu beheben, da das avaskuläre und aneurale hyaline Knorpelgewebe nur über sehr begrenzte Selbstheilungskräfte verfügt. Die Entwicklung neuer klinischer Therapien für eine erfolgreiche Regeneration bis hin zum vollständigen Ersatz von beschädigtem oder erkranktem Knorpel stellt daher das Ziel umfangreicher Forschung dar. Darüber hinaus zeichnet sich Knorpel durch eine organisierte, zonale Zell-Matrix-Verteilung und -Dichte aus, die möglichst naturgetreu nachgebildet werden muss, um einen adäquaten Gelenkknorpelersatz zu schaffen. Das dreidimensionale Bioprinting von humanen mesenchymalen Stromazellen (hMSCs) in Hydrogelen ist hierbei ein vielversprechender Ansatz. Es sind jedoch umfangreiche Studien erforderlich, um herauszufinden, wie 3D-Stammzellkonstrukte mit unterschiedlichen Zelldichten und Zell-Zell-Wechselwirkungen in einer gedruckten Hydrogel Matrix interagieren. Deshalb wurde in dieser Arbeit untersucht, ob die mesenchymalen Stromazellen in Form von Einzelzellen oder Sphäroiden durch das Extrusionsdruckverfahren in ihrer Proliferationsfähigkeit und ihrem chondrogenen Differenzierungspotential beeinträchtigt werden.
Hierfür wurden in dieser Arbeit sowohl das Zellüberleben als auch Proliferations- und Differenzierungsmarker in gedruckten und nicht gedruckten Proben mit Einzelzellkonzentrationen von 2-20 Millionen Zellen sowie bei Sphäroiden mit ca 4000 Zellen/Sphäroid untersucht. Es konnte gezeigt werden, dass das extrusionsbasierte Druckverfahren keine negativen Auswirkungen auf die Überlebensfähigkeit und die Proliferation der hMSCs hat. Zum Nachweis der chondrogenen Differenzierung wurden mehrere Experimente durchgeführt. Durch die Expression von Typ-II-Kollagen und Aggrecan sowie durch die Quantifizierung von GAG welches zu einem großen Teil in der ECM von Knorpelgewebe zu finden ist, konnte bestätigt werden, dass die mesenchymalen Stromazellen durch den Druckprozess ihr chondrogenes Differenzierungspotential nicht einbüßen. Die beim 3D-Bioprinting auftretenden Scherkräfte scheinen die in-vitro Chondrogenese sogar ohne chemische Stimulation durch TGF-β1 anzustoßen. Außerdem zeigten die Sphäroidgruppen ein höheres chondrogenes Differenzierungspotential als die Einzelzellgruppen.
Um dies im Zusammenhang mit dem 3D Extrusionsdruckverfahren zu bestätigen, erscheint es sinnvoll, weitere Versuche mit noch höheren Zellkonzentrationen in Form von Sphäroiden durchzuführen. Zusammenfassend zeigte sich in dieser Arbeit, dass das extrusionsbasierte Druckverfahren in Alginat/Gelatine Hydrogelen keine Zellschädigung verursacht und weder die chondrogene Differenzierung von Einzelzellen noch von Sphäroiden beeinträchtigt.
Melt electrowriting (MEW) is an additive manufacturing process that produces highly defined constructs with elements in the micrometer range. A specific configuration of MEW enables printing tubular constructs to create small-diameter tubular structures. The small pool of processable materials poses a bottleneck for wider application in biomedicine. To alleviate this obstacle, an acrylate-endcapped urethane-based polymer (AUP), using a poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) (molar mass: 20 000 g mol\(^{−1}\)) (AUP PCL20k) as backbone material, is synthesized and utilized for MEW. Spectroscopic analysis confirms the successful modification of the PCL backbone with photo-crosslinkable acrylate endgroups. Printing experiments of AUP PCL20k reveal limited printability but the photo-crosslinking ability is preserved post-printing. To improve printability and to tune the mechanical properties of printed constructs, the AUP-material is blended with commercially available PCL (AUP PCL20k:PCL in ratios 80:20, 60:40, 50:50). Print fidelity improves for 60:40 and 50:50 blends. Blending enables modification of the constructs' mechanical properties to approximate the range of blood vessels for transplantation surgeries. The crosslinking-ability of the material allows pure AUP to be manipulated post-printing and illustrates significant differences in mechanical properties of 80:20 blends after crosslinking. An in vitro cell compatibility assay using human umbilical vein endothelial cells also demonstrates the material's non-cytotoxicity.
Mucin, a high molecular mass hydrophilic glycoprotein, is the main component of mucus that coats every wet epithelium in animals. It is thus intrinsically biocompatible, and with its protein backbone and the o-glycosidic bound oligosaccharides, it contains a plethora of functional groups which can be used for further chemical modifications. Here, chain-growth and step-growth (thiol-ene) free-radical cross-linked hydrogels prepared from commercially available pig gastric mucin (PGM) are introduced and compared as cost-efficient and easily accessible alternative to the more broadly applied bovine submaxillary gland mucin. For this, PGM is functionalized with photoreactive acrylate groups or allyl ether moieties, respectively. Whereas homopolymerization of acrylate-functionalized polymers is performed, for thiol-ene cross-linking, the allyl-ether-functionalized PGM is cross-linked with thiol-functionalized hyaluronic acid. Morphology, mechanical properties, and cell compatibility of both kinds of PGM hydrogels are characterized and compared. Furthermore, the biocompatibility of these hydrogels can be evaluated in cell culture experiments.
Thermoplastic polymers have a history of decades of safe and effective use in the clinic as implantable medical devices. In recent years additive manufacturing (AM) saw increased clinical interest for the fabrication of customizable and implantable medical devices and training models using the patients’ own radiological data. However, approval from the various regulatory bodies remains a significant hurdle. A possible solution is to fabricate the AM scaffolds using materials and techniques with a clinical safety record, e.g. melt processing of polymers. Melt Electrowriting (MEW) is a novel, high resolution AM technique which uses thermoplastic polymers. MEW produces scaffolds with microscale fibers and precise fiber placement, allowing the control of the scaffold microarchitecture. Additionally, MEW can process medical-grade thermoplastic polymers, without the use of solvents paving the way for the production of medical devices for clinical applications. This pathway is investigated in this thesis, where the layout is designed to resemble the journey of a medical device produced via MEW from conception to early in vivo experiments. To do so, first, a brief history of the development of medical implants and the regenerative capability of the human body is given in Chapter 1. In Chapter 2, a review of the use of thermoplastic polymers in medicine, with a focus on poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL), is illustrated, as this is the polymer used in the rest of the thesis. This review is followed by a comparison of the state of the art, regarding in vivo and clinical experiments, of three polymer melt AM technologies: melt-extrusion, selective laser sintering and MEW. The first two techniques already saw successful translation to the bedside, producing patient-specific, regulatory-approved AM implants. To follow in the footsteps of these two technologies, the MEW device parameters need to be optimized. The MEW process parameters and their interplay are further discussed in Chapter 3 focusing on the importance of a steady mass flow rate of the polymer during printing. MEW reaches a balance between polymer flow, the stabilizing electric field and moving collector to produce reproducible, high-resolution scaffolds. An imbalance creates phenomena like fiber pulsing or arcing which result in defective scaffolds and potential printer damage. Chapter 4 shows the use of X-ray microtomography (µCT) as a non-destructive method to characterize the pore-related features: total porosity and the pore size distribution. MEW scaffolds are three-dimensional (3D) constructs but have long been treated in the literature as two-dimensional (2D) ones and characterized mainly by microscopy, including stereo- and scanning electron microscopy, where pore size was simply reported as the distance between the fibers in a single layer. These methods, together with the trend of producing scaffolds with symmetrical pores in the 0/90° and 0/60/120° laydown patterns, disregarded the lateral connections between pores and the potential of MEW to be used for more complex 3D structures, mimicking the extracellular matrix. Here we characterized scaffolds in the aforementioned symmetrical laydown patterns, along with the more complex 0/45/90/135° and 0/30/60/90/120/150° ones. A 2D pore size estimation was done first using stereomicroscopy, followed by and compared to µCT scanning. The scaffolds with symmetrical laydown patterns resulted in the predominance of one pore size, while those with more complex patterns had a broader distribution, which could be better shown by µCT scans. Moreover, in the symmetrical scaffolds, the size of 3D pores was not able to reach the value of the fiber spacing due to a flattening effect of the scaffold, where the thickness of the scaffold was less than the fiber spacing, further restricting the pore size distribution in such scaffolds. This method could be used for quality assurance of fabricated scaffolds prior to use in in vitro or in vivo experiments and would be important for a clinical translation. Chapter 5 illustrates a proof of principle subcutaneous implantation in vivo experiment. MEW scaffolds were already featured in small animal in vivo experiments, but to date, no analysis of the foreign body reaction (FBR) to such implants was performed. FBR is an immune reaction to implanted foreign materials, including medical devices, aimed at protecting the host from potential adverse effects and can interfere with the function of some medical implants. Medical-grade PCL was used to melt electrowrite scaffolds with 50 and 60 µm fiber spacing for the 0/90° and 0/60/120° laydown patterns, respectively. These implants were implanted subcutaneously in immunocompetent, outbred mice, with appropriate controls, and explanted after 2, 4, 7 and 14 days. A thorough characterization of the scaffolds before implantation was done, followed by a full histopathological analysis of the FBR to the implants after excision. The scaffolds, irrespective of their pore geometry, induced an extensive FBR in the form of accumulation of foreign body giant cells around the fiber walls, in a manner that almost occluded available pore spaces with little to no neovascularization. This reaction was not induced by the material itself, as the same reaction failed to develop in the PCL solid film controls. A discussion of the results was given with special regard to the literature available on flat surgical meshes, as well as other hydrogel-based porous scaffolds with similar pore sizes. Finally, a general summary of the thesis in Chapter 6 recapitulates the most important points with a focus on future directions for MEW.
A novel approach, in the context of bioprinting, is the targeted printing of a defined number of cells at desired positions in predefined locations, which thereby opens up new perspectives for life science engineering. One major challenge in this application is to realize the targeted printing of cells onto a gel substrate with high cell survival rates in advanced bioinks. For this purpose, different alginate-dialdehyde—polyethylene glycol (ADA-PEG) inks with different PEG modifications and chain lengths (1–8 kDa) were characterized to evaluate their application as bioinks for drop on demand (DoD) printing. The biochemical properties of the inks, printing process, NIH/3T3 fibroblast cell distribution within a droplet and shear forces during printing were analyzed. Finally, different hydrogels were evaluated as a printing substrate. By analysing different PEG chain lengths with covalently crosslinked and non-crosslinked ADA-PEG inks, it was shown that the influence of Schiff's bases on the viscosity of the corresponding materials is very low. Furthermore, it was shown that longer polymer chains resulted in less stable hydrogels, leading to fast degradation rates. Several bioinks highly exhibit biocompatibility, while the calculated nozzle shear stress increased from approx. 1.3 and 2.3 kPa. Moreover, we determined the number of cells for printed droplets depending on the initial cell concentration, which is crucially needed for targeted cell printing approaches.
Melt electrowriting, a high-resolution additive manufacturing technique, is used in this study to process a magnetic polymer-based blend for the first time. Carbonyl iron (CI) particles homogenously distribute into poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) melts to result in well-defined, highly porous structures or scaffolds comprised of fibers ranging from 30 to 50 µm in diameter. This study observes that CI particle incorporation is possible up to 30 wt% without nozzle clogging, albeit that the highest concentration results in heterogeneous fiber morphologies. In contrast, the direct writing of homogeneous PVDF fibers with up to 15 wt% CI is possible. The fibers can be readily displaced using magnets at concentrations of 1 wt% and above. Combined with good viability of L929 CC1 cells using Live/Dead imaging on scaffolds for all CI concentrations indicates that these formulations have potential for the usage in stimuli-responsive applications such as 4D printing.
Animal models are important tools to investigate the pathogenesis and develop treatment strategies for breast cancer in humans. In this study, we developed a new three-dimensional in vivo arteriovenous loop model of human breast cancer with the aid of biodegradable materials, including fibrin, alginate, and polycaprolactone. We examined the in vivo effects of various matrices on the growth of breast cancer cells by imaging and immunohistochemistry evaluation. Our findings clearly demonstrate that vascularized breast cancer microtissues could be engineered and recapitulate the in vivo situation and tumor-stromal interaction within an isolated environment in an in vivo organism. Alginate–fibrin hybrid matrices were considered as a highly powerful material for breast tumor engineering based on its stability and biocompatibility. We propose that the novel tumor model may not only serve as an invaluable platform for analyzing and understanding the molecular mechanisms and pattern of oncologic diseases, but also be tailored for individual therapy via transplantation of breast cancer patient-derived tumors.
Polymers sensitive to thermal degradation include poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA), which is not yet processed via melt electrowriting (MEW). After an initial period of instability where mean fiber diameters increase from 20.56 to 27.37 µm in 3.5 h, processing stabilizes through to 24 h. The jet speed, determined using critical translation speed measurements, also reduces slightly in this 3.5 h period from 500 to 433 mm min\(^{−1}\) but generally remains constant. Acetyl triethyl citrate (ATEC) as an additive decreases the glass transition temperature of PLGA from 49 to 4 °C, and the printed ATEC/PLGA fibers exhibits elastomeric behavior upon handling. Fiber bundles tested in cyclic mechanical testing display increased elasticity with increasing ATEC concentration. The processing temperature of PLGA also reduces from 165 to 143 °C with increase in ATEC concentration. This initial window of unstable direct writing seen with neat PLGA can also be impacted through the addition of 10-wt% ATEC, producing fiber diameters of 14.13 ± 1.69 µm for the first 3.5 h of heating. The investigation shows that the initial changes to the PLGA direct-writing outcomes seen in the first 3.5 h are temporary and that longer times result in a more stable MEW process.
A facile and flexible approach for the integration of biomimetically branched microvasculature within bulk hydrogels is presented. For this, sacrificial scaffolds of thermoresponsive poly(2-cyclopropyl-2-oxazoline) (PcycloPrOx) are created using melt electrowriting (MEW) in an optimized and predictable way and subsequently placed into a customized bioreactor system, which is then filled with a hydrogel precursor solution. The aqueous environment above the lower critical solution temperature (LCST) of PcycloPrOx at 25 °C swells the polymer without dissolving it, resulting in fusion of filaments that are deposited onto each other (print-and-fuse approach). Accordingly, an adequate printing pathway design results in generating physiological-like branchings and channel volumes that approximate Murray's law in the geometrical ratio between parent and daughter vessels. After gel formation, a temperature decrease below the LCST produces interconnected microchannels with distinct inlet and outlet regions. Initial placement of the sacrificial scaffolds in the bioreactors in a pre-defined manner directly yields perfusable structures via leakage-free fluid connections in a reproducible one-step procedure. Using this approach, rapid formation of a tight and biologically functional endothelial layer, as assessed not only through fluorescent dye diffusion, but also by tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) stimulation, is obtained within three days.
In recent decades, hybrid characterization systems have become pillars in the study of cellular biomechanics. Especially, Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) is combined with a variety of optical microscopy techniques to discover new aspects of cell adhesion. AFM, however, is limited to the early-stage of cell adhesion, so that the forces of mature cell contacts cannot be addressed. Even though the invention of Fluidic Force Microscopy (FluidFM) overcomes these limitations by combining the precise force-control of AFM with microfluidics, the correlative investigation of detachment forces arising from spread mammalian cells has been barely achieved. Here, a novel multifunctional device integrating Fluorescence Microscopy (FL) into FluidFM technology (FL-FluidFM) is introduced, enabling real-time optical tracking of entire cell detachment processes in parallel to the undisturbed acquisition of force-distance curves. This setup, thus, allows for entailing two pieces of information at once. As proof-of-principle experiment, this method is applied to fluorescently labeled rat embryonic fibroblast (REF52) cells, demonstrating a precise matching between identified force-jumps and visualized cellular unbinding steps. This study, thus, presents a novel characterization tool for the correlated evaluation of mature cell adhesion, which has great relevance, for instance, in the development of biomaterials or the fight against diseases such as cancer.
The Multiweek Thermal Stability of Medical-Grade Poly(ε-caprolactone) During Melt Electrowriting
(2022)
Melt electrowriting (MEW) is a high-resolution additive manufacturing technology that places unique constraints on the processing of thermally degradable polymers. With a single nozzle, MEW operates at low throughput and in this study, medical-grade poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) is heated for 25 d at three different temperatures (75, 85, and 95 °C), collecting daily samples. There is an initial increase in the fiber diameter and decrease in the jet speed over the first 5 d, then the MEW process remains stable for the 75 and 85 °C groups. When the collector speed is fixed to a value at least 10% above the jet speed, the diameter remains constant for 25 d at 75 °C and only increases with time for 85 and 95 °C. Fiber fusion at increased layer height is observed for 85 and 95 °C, while the surface morphology of single fibers remain similar for all temperatures. The properties of the prints are assessed with no observable changes in the degree of crystallinity or the Young's modulus, while the yield strength decreases in later phases only for 95 °C. After the initial 5-d period, the MEW processing of PCL at 75 °C is extraordinarily stable with overall fiber diameters averaging 13.5 ± 1.0 µm over the entire 25-d period.
The implantation of any foreign material into the body automatically starts an immune reaction that serves as the first, mandatory step to regenerate tissue. The course of this initial immune reaction decides on the fate of the implant: either the biomaterial will be integrated into the host tissue to subsequently fulfill its intended function (e.g., tissue regeneration), or it will be repelled by fibrous encapsulation that determines the implant failure. Especially neutrophils and macrophages play major roles during this inflammatory response and hence mainly decide on the biomaterial's fate. For clinically relevant tissue engineering approaches, biomaterials may be designed in shape and morphology as well as in their surface functionality to improve the healing outcome, but also to trigger stem cell responses during the subsequent tissue regeneration phase.
The main focus of this thesis was to unravel the influence of scaffold characteristics, including scaffold morphology and surface functionality, on primary human innate immune cells (neutrophils and macrophages) and human mesenchymal stromal cells (hMSCs) to assess their in vitro immune response and tissue regeneration capacity, respectively. The fiber-based constructs were produced either via melt electrowriting (MEW), when the precise control over scaffold morphology was required, or via solution electrospinning (ES), when the scaffold design could be neglected. All the fiber-based scaffolds used throughout this thesis were composed of the polymer poly(ε caprolactone) (PCL).
A novel strategy to model and alleviate the first direct cell contact of the immune system with a peptide-bioactived fibrous material was presented in chapter 3 by treating the material with human neutrophil elastase (HNE) to imitate the neutrophil attack. The main focus of this study was put on the effect of HNE towards an RGDS-based peptide that was immobilized on the surface of a fibrous material to improve subsequent L929 cell adhesion. The elastase efficiently degraded the peptide-functionality, as evidenced by a decreased L929 cell adhesion, since the peptide integrated a specific HNE-cleavage site (AAPV-motif). A sacrificial hydrogel coating based on primary oxidized hyaluronic acid (proxHA), which dissolved within a few days after the neutrophil attack, provided an optimal protection of the peptide-bioactivated fibrous mesh, i.e, the hydrogel alleviated the neutrophil attack and largely ensured the biomaterial's integrity. Thus, according to these results, a means to protect the biomaterial is required to overcome the neutrophil attack.
Chapter 4 was based on the advancement of melt electrowriting (MEW) to improve the printing resolution of MEW scaffolds in terms of minimal inter-fiber distances and a concomitant high stacking precision. Initially, to gain a better MEW understanding, the influence of several parameters, including spinneret diameter, applied pressure, and collector velocity on mechanical properties, crystallinity, fiber diameter and fiber surface morphology was analyzed. Afterward, innovative MEW designs (e.g., box-, triangle-, round , and wall-shaped scaffolds) have been established by pushing the printing parameters to their physical limits. Further, the inter-fiber distance within a standardized box-structured scaffold was successfully reduced to 40 µm, while simultaneously a high stacking precision was maintained. In collaboration with a co-worker of my department (Tina Tylek, who performed all cell-based experiments in this study), these novel MEW scaffolds have been proven to facilitate human monocyte-derived macrophage polarization towards the regenerative M2 type in an elongation-driven manner with a more pronounced effect with decreasing pore sizes.
Finally, a pro-adipogenic platform for hMSCs was developed in chapter 5 using MEW scaffolds with immobilized, complex ECM proteins (e.g., human decellularized adipose tissue (DAT), laminin (LN), and fibronectin (FN)) to test for the adipogenic differentiation potential in vitro. Within this thesis, a special short-term adipogenic induction regime enabled to more thoroughly assess the intrinsic pro-adipogenic capacity of the composite biomaterials and prevented any possible masking by the commonly used long-term application of adipogenic differentiation reagents. The scaffolds with incorporated DAT consistently showed the highest adipogenic outcome and hence provided an adipo-inductive microenvironment for hMSCs, which holds great promise for applications in soft tissue regeneration.
Future studies should combine all three addressed projects in a more in vivo-related manner, comprising a co-cultivation setup of neutrophils, macrophages, and MSCs. The MEW-scaffold, particularly due to its ability to combine surface functionality and adjustable morphology, has been proven to be a successful approach for wound healing and paves the way for subsequent tissue regeneration.
Hydrogele stehen als Material für den 3D-Biodruck zunehmend im Fokus aktueller Forschung, da sie aufgrund ihrer wasserhaltigen Struktur optimale Voraussetzungen für Anwendungen der Zellkultur aufweisen. Durch die Verarbeitung solcher Biotinten mittels additiver Fertigungstechniken der Biofabrikation erhofft man sich beschädigtes oder krankes Gewebe zu heilen oder zu ersetzen. Allerdings wird der Fortschritt in diesem Bereich durch einen Mangel an geeigneten Materialien gebremst, weshalb die Entwicklung neuer Biotinten von zentraler Bedeutung ist. Das Polymer GelAGE ist ein am Lehrstuhl für Funktionswerkstoffe der Medizin und Zahnheilkunde der Universität Würzburg synthetisiertes Hydrogelsystem. Zu diesem über eine Thiol-En Reaktion vernetzenden Material stehen systematische Untersuchungen der für die in vitro Zellkultur relevanten Eigenschaften noch aus. Das Ziel dieser Arbeit war daher die biologische Evaluation von GelAGE und der Vergleich mit der Biotinte Alginat-Gelatine.
Zu diesem Zweck wurden L929-Zellen für 7 Tage in verschiedenen Hydrogelzusammensetzungen in vitro kultiviert. Um die zytokompatiblen Eigenschaften in den verschiedenen Versuchsgruppen zu untersuchen, wurden die Proben mittels der in vitro Testverfahren Live/Dead Färbung, DNA-Assay, CCK-8-Assay und Phalloidin-Färbung analysiert.
Im Rahmen dieser Arbeit konnte ein Herstellungsprotokoll für das Material GelAGE etabliert werden, welches eine Grundlage für die Durchführung weiterer biologischer Experimente bietet. Das Resultat der biologischen Untersuchungen war, dass das Polymer GelAGE als zytokompatibel bewertet werden kann, es jedoch nicht die Qualität des Alginat-Gelatine Hydrogelsystems aufweist. Allerdings konnten die Eigenschaften der GelAGE Proben teilweise durch eine Modifikation mit Humanem Plättchenlysat verbessert werden. Des Weiteren konnten deutliche Unterschiede in der Zell-Material- Interaktion zwischen den verschiedenen GelAGE Varianten nachgewiesen werden.
Hyaluronic acid (HA)-based hydrogels are very commonly applied as cell carriers for different approaches in regenerative medicine. HA itself is a well-studied biomolecule that originates from the physiological extracellular matrix (ECM) of mammalians and, due to its acidic polysaccharide structure, offers many different possibilities for suitable chemical modifications which are necessary to control, for example, network formation. Most of these chemical modifications are performed using the free acid function of the polymer and, additionally, lead to an undesirable breakdown of the biopolymer’s backbone. An alternative modification of the vicinal diol of the glucuronic acid is oxidation with sodium periodate to generate dialdehydes via a ring opening mechanism that can subsequently be further modified or crosslinked via Schiff base chemistry. Since this oxidation causes a structural destruction of the polysaccharide backbone, it was our intention to study a novel synthesis protocol frequently applied to selectively oxidize the C6 hydroxyl group of saccharides. On the basis of this TEMPO/TCC oxidation, we studied an alternative hydrogel platform based on oxidized HA crosslinked using adipic acid dihydrazide as the crosslinker.
Synthetische anorganische Knochenersatzmaterialien auf Calcium-Phosphat- und Magnesium-Phosphat-Basis wurden in der hier vorliegenden Dissertation mit verschiedenen handelsüblichen Antibiotika versetzt und deren Freisetzungsverhalten charakterisiert. Zudem wurde der Einfluss des Antibiotikazusatzes auf bestimmte materialcharakteristische Eigenschaften untersucht, hierbei fanden die Quecksilberporosimetrie, die Röntgendiffraktometrie und die Rasterelektronenmikroskopie ihre Anwendung. Insbesondere für die Knochenersatzmaterialien auf Calcium-Phosphat-Basis sollte eine klinisch praktikable und demnach möglichst einfache Methode etabliert werden, um die Kombination mit einem Antibiotikum durchzuführen. Die Detektion der Antibiotika erfolgte mit Hilfe eines UV/VIS-Spektrophotometers. Zudem wurde für einige ausgewählte Kombinationen aus Antibiotikum und Knochenersatzmaterial durch einen Agardiffusionstest die antibakterielle Wirkung nach der Freisetzung aus dem jeweiligen Trägermaterial bestätigt.
Ziel dieser Arbeit war die Entwicklung und Charakterisierung vorgemischter Calciumphosphatzementpasten sowie die Übertragung des Konzepts dieser Pasten auf den 3D-Druck. Es wurden drei verschiedene Zementformulierungen untersucht, basierend auf Pulvermischungen aus α-TCP/DCPA/CaCO3 (Biozement D), TTCP/DCPA und β-TCP/MCPA, die auf verschiedene Materialeigenschaften geprüft und einem 3D-Druckversuch unterzogen wurden. Die Biozement D Paste wurde mit drei Pulver-Flüssigkeits-Verhältnissen (PLR) (80/20, 85/15, 87/13), die TTCP/DCPA Paste mit zwei PLR (83/17, 85/15), und die β-TCP/MCPA Paste ebenfalls mit zwei PLR (67/33, 70/30) getestet. Alle Pasten konnten mit dem 3D-Drucker erfolgreich verdruckt werden. Die Biozement D Paste mit dem PLR 85/15 stellte sich in ihrer Gruppe als die geeignetste Paste heraus. Bessere Ergebnisse bezüglich der Injizierbarkeit und Druckbarkeit erreichte die TTCP/DCPA Paste. Hier wurden mit beiden PLR formstabile Scaffolds erzielt. Feine Wabenmuster konnten mit dem PLR von 83/17 in Kombination mit einer hohen Druckgeschwindigkeit hergestellt werden. Mit dem höheren PLR (85/15) und einer niedrigeren Druckgeschwindigkeit stieg die Formstabilität weiter an, wodurch die hexagonale Struktur exakter gedruckt werden konnte. Ein gutes Druckergebnis konnte auch mit der β-TCP/MCPA Paste und dem PLR 70/30 erreicht werden.
Biofabrication, including printing technologies, has emerged as a powerful approach to the design of disease models, such as in cancer research. In breast cancer, adipose tissue has been acknowledged as an important part of the tumor microenvironment favoring tumor progression. Therefore, in this study, a 3D-printed breast cancer model for facilitating investigations into cancer cell-adipocyte interaction was developed. First, we focused on the printability of human adipose-derived stromal cell (ASC) spheroids in an extrusion-based bioprinting setup and the adipogenic differentiation within printed spheroids into adipose microtissues. The printing process was optimized in terms of spheroid viability and homogeneous spheroid distribution in a hyaluronic acid-based bioink. Adipogenic differentiation after printing was demonstrated by lipid accumulation, expression of adipogenic marker genes, and an adipogenic ECM profile. Subsequently, a breast cancer cell (MDA-MB-231) compartment was printed onto the adipose tissue constructs. After nine days of co-culture, we observed a cancer cell-induced reduction of the lipid content and a remodeling of the ECM within the adipose tissues, with increased fibronectin, collagen I and collagen VI expression. Together, our data demonstrate that 3D-printed breast cancer-adipose tissue models can recapitulate important aspects of the complex cell–cell and cell–matrix interplay within the tumor-stroma microenvironment
Background: Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) and metastatic triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) with PTEN mutations often lead to brain dissemination with poor patient outcome, thus new therapeutic targets are needed. To understand signaling, controlling the dynamics and mechanics of brain tumor cell migration, we implemented GBM and TNBC cell lines and designed 3D aligned microfibers and scaffolds mimicking brain structures. Methods: 3D microfibers and scaffolds were printed using melt electrowriting. GBM and TNBC cell lines with opposing PTEN genotypes were analyzed with RHO-ROCK-PTEN inhibitors and PTEN rescue using live-cell imaging. RNA-sequencing and qPCR of tumor cells in 3D with microfibers were performed, while scanning electron microscopy and confocal microscopy addressed cell morphology. Results: In contrast to the PTEN wildtype, GBM and TNBC cells with PTEN loss of function yielded enhanced durotaxis, topotaxis, adhesion, amoeboid migration on 3D microfibers and significant high RHOB expression. Functional studies concerning RHOB-ROCK-PTEN signaling confirmed the essential role for the above cellular processes. Conclusions: This study demonstrates a significant role of the PTEN genotype and RHOB expression for durotaxis, adhesion and migration dependent on 3D. GBM and TNBC cells with PTEN loss of function have an affinity for stiff brain structures promoting metastasis. 3D microfibers represent an important tool to model brain metastasizing tumor cells, where RHO-inhibitors could play an essential role for improved therapy.
As one kind of “smart” material, thermogelling polymers find applications in biofabrication, drug delivery and regenerative medicine. In this work, we report a thermosensitive poly(2-oxazoline)/poly(2-oxazine) based diblock copolymer comprising thermosensitive/moderately hydrophobic poly(2-N-propyl-2-oxazine) (pPrOzi) and thermosensitive/moderately hydrophilic poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline) (pEtOx). Hydrogels were only formed when block length exceeded certain length (≈100 repeat units). The tube inversion and rheological tests showed that the material has then a reversible sol-gel transition above 25 wt.% concentration. Rheological tests further revealed a gel strength around 3 kPa, high shear thinning property and rapid shear recovery after stress, which are highly desirable properties for extrusion based three-dimensional (3D) (bio) printing. Attributed to the rheology profile, well resolved printability and high stackability (with added laponite) was also possible. (Cryo) scanning electron microscopy exhibited a highly porous, interconnected, 3D network. The sol-state at lower temperatures (in ice bath) facilitated the homogeneous distribution of (fluorescently labelled) human adipose derived stem cells (hADSCs) in the hydrogel matrix. Post-printing live/dead assays revealed that the hADSCs encapsulated within the hydrogel remained viable (≈97%). This thermoreversible and (bio) printable hydrogel demonstrated promising properties for use in tissue engineering applications.
Herein, it is aimed to highlight the importance of the process parameter choice during directional solidification of polymer solutions, as they have a significant influence on the pore structure and orientation. Biopolymer solutions (alginate and chitosan) are directionally frozen, while systematically varying parameters such as the external temperature gradient, the temperature of the overall system, and the temperatures of the cooling surfaces.
In addition, the effect of material properties such as molecular weight, solution concentration, or viscosity on the sample morphology is investigated. By selecting appropriate temperature gradients and cooling surface temperatures, aligned pores ranging in size between (50 ± 22) μm and (144 ± 56) μm are observed in the alginate samples, whereas the pore orientation is influenced by altering the external temperature gradient.
As this gradient increases, the pores are increasingly oriented perpendicular to the sample surface. This is also observed in the chitosan samples. However, if the overall system is too cold, that is, using temperatures of the lower cooling surface down to −60 °C combined with low temperatures of the upper cooling surface, control over pore orientation is lost. This is also found when viscosity of chitosan solutions is above ≈5 Pas near the freezing point.
In this work, a toolbox was provided to create three-component polymer conjugates with a defined architecture, designed to bear different biocomponents that can interact with larger biological systems in biomacromolecular recognition experiments. The target architecture is the attachment of two biomolecule ‘arms’ to the alpha telechelic end point of a polymer and fixating the conjugate to the gold surface of SAW and SPR sensor chips with the polymer’s other omega chain end. This specific design of a conjugate will be implemented by using a strategy to yield novel double alpha as well as omega telechelic functionalized POx and the success of all cascade reaction steps leading to the final conjugation product will be proven through affinity measurements between covalently bound mannose and ConA. All reactions were performed on a low molecular model level first and then transferred to telechelic and also side chain functionalized polymer systems.
Post-fabrication formation of a proper vasculature remains an unresolved challenge in bioprinting. Established strategies focus on the supply of the fabricated structure with nutrients and oxygen and either rely on the mere formation of a channel system using fugitive inks or additionally use mature endothelial cells and/or peri-endothelial cells such as smooth muscle cells for the formation of blood vessels in vitro. Functional vessels, however, exhibit a hierarchical organization and multilayered wall structure that is important for their function. Human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived mesodermal progenitor cells (hiMPCs) have been shown to possess the capacity to form blood vessels in vitro, but have so far not been assessed for their applicability in bioprinting processes. Here, we demonstrate that hiMPCs, after formulation into an alginate/collagen type I bioink and subsequent extrusion, retain their ability to give rise to the formation of complex vessels that display a hierarchical network in a process that mimics the embryonic steps of vessel formation during vasculogenesis. Histological evaluations at different time points of extrusion revealed the initial formation of spheres, followed by lumen formation and further structural maturation as evidenced by building a multilayered vessel wall and a vascular network. These findings are supported by immunostainings for endothelial and peri-endothelial cell markers as well as electron microscopic analyses at the ultrastructural level. Moreover, endothelial cells in capillary-like vessel structures deposited a basement membrane-like matrix at the basal side between the vessel wall and the alginate-collagen matrix. After transplantation of the printed constructs into the chicken chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) the printed vessels connected to the CAM blood vessels and get perfused in vivo. These results evidence the applicability and great potential of hiMPCs for the bioprinting of vascular structures mimicking the basic morphogenetic steps of de novo vessel formation during embryogenesis.
Actin cytoskeleton deregulation confers midostaurin resistance in FLT3-mutant acute myeloid leukemia
(2021)
The presence of FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3-internal tandem duplication (FLT3-ITD) is one of the most frequent mutations in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and is associated with an unfavorable prognosis. FLT3 inhibitors, such as midostaurin, are used clinically but fail to entirely eradicate FLT3-ITD+AML. This study introduces a new perspective and highlights the impact of RAC1-dependent actin cytoskeleton remodeling on resistance to midostaurin in AML. RAC1 hyperactivation leads resistance via hyperphosphorylation of the positive regulator of actin polymerization N-WASP and antiapoptotic BCL-2. RAC1/N-WASP, through ARP2/3 complex activation, increases the number of actin filaments, cell stiffness and adhesion forces to mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) being identified as a biomarker of resistance. Midostaurin resistance can be overcome by a combination of midostaruin, the BCL-2 inhibitor venetoclax and the RAC1 inhibitor Eht1864 in midostaurin-resistant AML cell lines and primary samples, providing the first evidence of a potential new treatment approach to eradicate FLT3-ITD+AML. Garitano-Trojaola et al. used a combination of human acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cell lines and primary samples to show that RAC1-dependent actin cytoskeleton remodeling through BCL2 family plays a key role in resistance to the FLT3 inhibitor, Midostaurin in AML. They showed that by targeting RAC1 and BCL2, Midostaurin resistance was diminished, which potentially paves the way for an innovate treatment approach for FLT3 mutant AML.
This thesis aimed to evaluate the possibility to use nanoparticles as antifungal drug carriers as well as their potential application in screening and diagnostics of invasive aspergillosis. The interaction of nanogels, superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIOs) and gold nanoparticles (GNP) with fungal-specific polysaccharides, cells and biofilms was investigated.
Firstly, it was evaluated how the charge of nanogels influence their interaction with fungal cells. Linear poly(glycidol)s (pG) and poly(2-methyl-2-oxazoline) (pMOx) polymers were synthesized and further functionalized with thiol groups for preparation of redox responsive nanogels. Results showed that negatively charged nanogels were internalized by the fungi to a much greater extent than positively charged ones.
Furthermore, it was investigated how amphiphilicity of polymers used for preparation of nanogels influences nanogel-fungi interaction. It was concluded that nanogels prepared from polymers with degree of functionalization of 10% had the strongest interaction, regardless the length of the alkyl chain. Moreover, amphotericin B-loaded nanogels had a higher antifungal effect and lower toxicity towards mammalian cells than the free drug. In addition, inverse nanoprecipitation of thiol functionalized pGs was shown to be successful for preparation of nanogels with narrow size distribution.
It was also demonstrated that crosslinking of the polymeric coating in hydrogel-like network with thiol functionalized pGs improved the SPIOs imaging performance.
Finally, it was investigated whether GNPs could be used as model particles for the assessment of targeting to fungi. Fc dectin-1 was conjugated covalently to GNPs decorated with pGs, and binding affinity towards β-glucans was tested by surface plasmon resonance.
In summary, this thesis demonstrated evidence for the potential of pG nanogels and pG coated nanoparticles for antifungal therapy and diagnostics of fungal infections caused by A. fumigatus.
Clinically used mineral bone cements lack high strength values, absorbability and drillability. Therefore, magnesium phosphate cements have recently received increasing attention as they unify a high mechanical performance with presumed degradation in vivo. To obtain a drillable cement formulation, farringtonite (Mg\(_3\)(PO\(_4\))\(_2\)) and magnesium oxide (MgO) were modified with the setting retardant phytic acid (C\(_6\)H\(_{18}\)O\(_{24}\)P\(_6\)). In a pre-testing series, 13 different compositions of magnesium phosphate cements were analyzed concentrating on the clinical demands for application. Of these 13 composites, two cement formulations with different phytic acid content (22.5 wt% and 25 wt%) were identified to meet clinical demands. Both formulations were evaluated in terms of setting time, injectability, compressive strength, screw pullout tests and biomechanical tests in a clinically relevant fracture model. The cements were used as bone filler of a metaphyseal bone defect alone, and in combination with screws drilled through the cement. Both formulations achieved a setting time of 5 min 30 s and an injectability of 100%. Compressive strength was shown to be ~12–13 MPa and the overall displacement of the reduced fracture was <2 mm with and without screws. Maximum load until reduced fracture failure was ~2600 N for the cements only and ~3800 N for the combination with screws. Two new compositions of magnesium phosphate cements revealed high strength in clinically relevant biomechanical test set-ups and add clinically desired characteristics to its strength such as injectability and drillability.
Purpose: The topical application of tranexamic acid (TXA) into the joint space during total joint arthroplasty (TJA) with no increase of complications, has been widely reported. We investigated the influence of TXA on antibiotic release, activity of the released antibiotic against a clinical isolate of S. aureus, and compressive strength of a widely used commercially prepared gentamicin-loaded cement brand (PALACOS R + G). Method: 12 bone cement cylinders (diameter and height = 6 and 12 mm, respectively) were molded. After curing in air for at least 1 h, six of the cylinders were completely immersed in 5 mL of fetal calf serum (FCS) and the other six were completely immersed in a solution consisting of 4.9 mL of FCS and 0.1 mL (10 mg) of TXA. Gentamicin elution tests were performed over 7 d. Four hundred µL of the gentamicin eluate were taken every 24 h for the first 7 d without renewing the immersion fluid. The gentamicin concentration was determined in a clinical analyzer using a homogeny enzyme immuno-assay. The antimicrobial activity of the eluate, obtained after day 7, was tested. An agar diffusion test regime was used with Staphylococcus aureus. Bacteria were grown in a LB medium and plated on LB agar plates to get a bacterial lawn. Fifty µL of each eluate were pipetted on 12-mm diameter filter discs, which were placed in the middle of the agar gel. After 24 h of cultivation at 37 °C, the zone of inhibition (ZOI) for each specimen was measured. The compressive strength of the cements was determined per ISO 5833. Results: At each time point in the gentamicin release test, the difference in gentamicin concentration, obtained from specimens immersed in the FCS solution only and those immersed in the FCS + TXA solution was not significant (p = 0.055–0.522). The same trend was seen in each of the following parameters, after 7 d of immersion: (1) Cumulative gentamicin concentration (p < 0.297); (2) gentamicin activity against S. aureus (strongly visible); (3) ZOI size (mostly > 20 mm) (p = 0.631); and (4) compressive strength (p = 0.262). Conclusions: For the PALACOS R + G specimens, the addition of TXA to FCS does not produce significant decreases in gentamicin concentration, in the activity of the gentamicin eluate against a clinical isolate of S. aureus, the zone of inhibition of S. aureus, and in the compressive strength of the cement, after 7 d of immersion in the test solution.
Diese Arbeit befasst sich mit der Untersuchung von aus Patientenisolaten gewonnenen S. aureus Kulturen und deren Biofilmbildung auf implantatähnlichen Titan-Oberflächen. Ziel war es, den zeitlichen Ablauf bakterieller periprothetischer Infektionen über einen Zeitraum von 21 Tagen zu beschreiben und besser zu verstehen. Dazu sollte überprüft werden, ob ein fluoreszenzspektrometrisch ausgewertetes LIVE/DEAD Assay eine zusätzliche Aussage zum Status der im Biofilm befindlichen Zellen liefern kann. Zudem wurde die Biofilmentwicklung anhand etablierter fluoreszenzspektrometrischer Methoden (Concanavalin-A-Markierung extrazellulärer Polymerer Substanzen, DNA-Markierung mit Hoechst 33342) untersucht. Es konnte ein reproduzierbarer Verlauf der Entwicklung des Biofilms, sowie der DNA-Menge aufgezeigt werden. Das LIVE/DEAD Assay lieferte keine signifikanten Ergebnisse in Bezug auf das Verhältnis lebender zu toter S. aureus Zellen im Biofilm.
Weiter wurde die Angreifbarkeit des frühen, am Titan adhärenten Biofilms (Alter 1-5 Tage) durch das in der Orthopädie gängig eingesetzte Antibiotikum Gentamicin untersucht. Die Wirksamkeit konnte zu jedem getesteten Zeitpunkt der ersten fünf Tage durch Anzucht von Kolonien bestätigt werden. Auch wurde die Wirksamkeit über das LIVE/DEAD Assay überprüft, jedoch konnten hier keine aussagekräftigen Daten gewonnen werden, die diese Methode zur Überprüfung der Antibiotikawirksamkeit empfehlen könnten.
Fabrication of microchannels using 3D printing of sugars as fugitive material is explored in different fields, including microfluidics. However, establishing reproducible methods for the controlled production of sugar structures with sub-100 μm dimensions remains a challenge.
This study pioneers the processing of sugars by melt electrowriting (MEW) enabling the fabrication of structures with so far unprecedented resolution from Isomalt. Based on a systematic variation of process parameters, fibers with diameters down to 20 μm can be fabricated. The flexibility in the adjustment of fiber diameter by on-demand alteration of MEW parameters enables generating constructs with perfusable channels within polydimethylsiloxane molds. These channels have a diameter that can be adjusted from 30 to 200 μm in a single design.
Taken together, the experiments show that MEW strongly benefits from the thermal and physical stability of Isomalt, providing a robust platform for the fabrication of small-diameter embedded microchannel systems.
Hydrophilic (AB)\(_{n}\) Segmented Copolymers for Melt Extrusion‐Based Additive Manufacturing
(2021)
Several manufacturing technologies beneficially involve processing from the melt, including extrusion‐based printing, electrospinning, and electrohydrodynamic jetting. In this study, (AB)\(_{n}\) segmented copolymers are tailored for melt‐processing to form physically crosslinked hydrogels after swelling. The copolymers are composed of hydrophilic poly(ethylene glycol)‐based segments and hydrophobic bisurea segments, which form physical crosslinks via hydrogen bonds. The degree of polymerization was adjusted to match the melt viscosity to the different melt‐processing techniques. Using extrusion‐based printing, a width of approximately 260 µm is printed into 3D constructs, with excellent interlayer bonding at fiber junctions, due to hydrogen bonding between the layers. For melt electrospinning, much thinner fibers in the range of about 1–15 µm are obtained and produced in a typical nonwoven morphology. With melt electrowriting, fibers are deposited in a controlled way to well‐defined 3D constructs. In this case, multiple fiber layers fuse together enabling constructs with line width in the range of 70 to 160 µm. If exposed to water the printed constructs swell and form physically crosslinked hydrogels that slowly disintegrate, which is a feature for soluble inks within biofabrication strategies. In this context, cytotoxicity tests confirm the viability of cells and thus demonstrating biocompatibility of this class of copolymers.
Melt electrowriting (MEW) is a high-resolution additive manufacturing technology that balances multiple parametric variables to arrive at a stable fabrication process. The better understanding of this balance is underscored here using high-resolution camera vision of jet stability profiles in different electrical fields. Complementing this visual information are fiber-diameter measurements obtained at precise points, allowing the correlation to electrified jet properties. Two process signatures—the jet angle and for the first time, the Taylor cone area—are monitored and analyzed with a machine vision system, while SEM imaging for diameter measurement correlates real-time information. This information, in turn, allows the detection and correction of fiber pulsing for accurate jet placement on the collector, and the in-process assessment of the fiber diameter. Improved process control is used to successfully fabricate collapsible MEW tubes; structures that require exceptional accuracy and printing stability. Using a precise winding angle of 60° and 300 layers, the resulting 12 mm-thick tubular structures have elastic snap-through instabilities associated with mechanical metamaterials. This study provides a detailed analysis of the fiber pulsing occurrence in MEW and highlights the importance of real-time monitoring of the Taylor cone volume to better understand, control, and predict printing instabilities.
Interactions between proteins and carbohydrates with larger biomacromolecules, e.g., lectins, are usually examined using self-assembled monolayers on target gold surfaces as a simplified model measuring setup. However, most of those measuring setups are either limited to a single substrate or do not allow for control over ligand distance and spacing. Here, we develop a synthetic strategy, consisting of a cascade of a thioesterification, native chemical ligation (NCL) and thiol-ene reaction, in order to create three-component polymer conjugates with a defined double bioactivation at the chain end. The target architecture is the vicinal attachment of two biomolecule residues to the α telechelic end point of a polymer and a thioether group at the ω chain end for fixating the conjugate to a gold sensor chip surface. As proof-of-principle studies for affinity measurements, we demonstrate the interaction between covalently bound mannose and ConA in surface acoustic wave (SAW) and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) experiments.
Chronic respiratory diseases are among the leading causes of death worldwide, but only symptomatic therapies are available for terminal illness. This in part reflects a lack of biomimetic in vitro models that can imitate the complex environment and physiology of the lung. Here, a copolymeric membrane consisting of poly(ε‐)caprolactone and gelatin with tunable properties, resembling the main characteristics of the alveolar basement membrane is introduced. The thin bioinspired membrane (≤5 μm) is stretchable (up to 25% linear strain) with appropriate surface wettability and porosity for culturing lung epithelial cells under air–liquid interface conditions. The unique biphasic concept of this membrane provides optimum characteristics for initial cell growth (phase I) and then switch to biomimetic properties for cyclic cell‐stretch experiments (phase II). It is showed that physiologic cyclic mechanical stretch improves formation of F‐actin cytoskeleton filaments and tight junctions while non‐physiologic over‐stretch induces cell apoptosis, activates inflammatory response (IL‐8), and impairs epithelial barrier integrity. It is also demonstrated that cyclic physiologic stretch can enhance the cellular uptake of nanoparticles. Since this membrane offers considerable advantages over currently used membranes, it may lead the way to more biomimetic in vitro models of the lung for translation of in vitro response studies into clinical outcome.
Supplement-free induction of cellular differentiation and polarization solely through the topography of materials is an auspicious strategy but has so far significantly lagged behind the efficiency and intensity of media-supplementation-based protocols. Consistent with the idea that 3D structural motifs in the extracellular matrix possess immunomodulatory capacity as part of the natural healing process, it is found in this study that human-monocyte-derived macrophages show a strong M2a-like prohealing polarization when cultured on type I rat-tail collagen fibers but not on collagen I films. Therefore, it is hypothesized that highly aligned nanofibrils also of synthetic polymers, if packed into larger bundles in 3D topographical biomimetic similarity to native collagen I, would induce a localized macrophage polarization. For the automated fabrication of such bundles in a 3D printing manner, the strategy of “melt electrofibrillation” is pioneered by the integration of flow-directed polymer phase separation into melt electrowriting and subsequent selective dissolution of the matrix polymer postprocessing. This process yields nanofiber bundles with a remarkable structural similarity to native collagen I fibers, particularly for medical-grade poly(ε-caprolactone). These biomimetic fibrillar structures indeed induce a pronounced elongation of human-monocyte-derived macrophages and unprecedentedly trigger their M2-like polarization similar in efficacy as interleukin-4 treatment.
In this study, the hydraulic reactivity and cement formation of baghdadite (Ca\(_{3}\)ZrSi\(_{2}\)O\(_{9}\)) was investigated. The material was synthesized by sintering a mixture of CaCO\(_{3}\), SiO\(_{2}\), and ZrO\(_{2}\) and then mechanically activated using a planetary mill. This leads to a decrease in particle and crystallite size and a partial amorphization of baghdadite as shown by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and laser diffraction measurements. Baghdadite cements were formed by the addition of water at a powder to liquid ratio of 2.0 g/ml. Maximum compressive strengths were found to be ~2 MPa after 3-day setting for a 24-h ground material. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) measurements showed an incongruent dissolution profile of set cements with a preferred dissolution of calcium and only marginal release of zirconium ions. Cement formation occurs under alkaline conditions, whereas the unground raw powder leads to a pH of 11.9 during setting, while prolonged grinding increased pH values to approximately 12.3.
In this study, well-defined, 3D arrays of air-suspended melt electrowritten fibers are made from medical grade poly(ɛ-caprolactone) (PCL). Low processing temperatures, lower voltages, lower ambient temperature, increased collector distance, and high collector speeds all aid to direct-write suspended fibers that can span gaps of several millimeters between support structures. Such processing parameters are quantitatively determined using a “wedge-design” melt electrowritten test frame to identify the conditions that increase the suspension probability of long-distance fibers. All the measured parameters impact the probability that a fiber is suspended over multimillimeter distances. The height of the suspended fibers can be controlled by a concurrently fabricated fiber wall and the 3D suspended PCL fiber arrays investigated with early post-natal mouse dorsal root ganglion explants. The resulting Schwann cell and neurite outgrowth extends substantial distances by 21 d, following the orientation of the suspended fibers and the supporting walls, often generating circular whorls of high density Schwann cells between the suspended fibers. This research provides a design perspective and the fundamental parametric basis for suspending individual melt electrowritten fibers into a form that facilitates cell culture.
Electrospun carbon nanofibers (CNFs), which were modified with hydroxyapatite, were fabricated to be used as a substrate for bone cell proliferation. The CNFs were derived from electrospun polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanofibers after two steps of heat treatment: stabilization and carbonization. Carbon nanofibrous (CNF)/hydroxyapatite (HA) nanocomposites were prepared by two different methods; one of them being modification during electrospinning (CNF-8HA) and the second method being hydrothermal modification after carbonization (CNF-8HA; hydrothermally) to be used as a platform for bone tissue engineering. The biological investigations were performed using in-vitro cell counting, WST cell viability and cell morphology after three and seven days. L929 mouse fibroblasts were found to be more viable on the hydrothermally-modified CNF scaffolds than on the unmodified CNF scaffolds. The biological characterizations of the synthesized CNF/HA nanofibrous composites indicated higher capability of bone regeneration.
Calcium magnesium phosphate cements (CMPCs) are promising bone substitutes and experience great interest in research. Therefore, in-vivo degradation behavior, osseointegration and biocompatibility of three-dimensional (3D) powder-printed CMPC scaffolds were investigated in the present study. The materials Mg225 (Ca\(_{0.75}\)Mg\(_{2.25}\)(PO\(_4\))\(_2\)) and Mg225d (Mg225 treated with diammonium hydrogen phosphate (DAHP)) were implanted as cylindrical scaffolds (h = 5 mm, Ø = 3.8 mm) in both lateral femoral condyles in rabbits and compared with tricalcium phosphate (TCP). Treatment with DAHP results in the precipitation of struvite, thus reducing pore size and overall porosity and increasing pressure stability. Over 6 weeks, the scaffolds were evaluated clinically, radiologically, with Micro-Computed Tomography (µCT) and histological examinations. All scaffolds showed excellent biocompatibility. X-ray and in-vivo µCT examinations showed a volume decrease and increasing osseointegration over time. Structure loss and volume decrease were most evident in Mg225. Histologically, all scaffolds degraded centripetally and were completely traversed by new bone, in which the remaining scaffold material was embedded. While after 6 weeks, Mg225d and TCP were still visible as a network, only individual particles of Mg225 were present. Based on these results, Mg225 and Mg225d appear to be promising bone substitutes for various loading situations that should be investigated further.
This study aimed to develop printable calcium magnesium phosphate pastes that harden by immersion in ammonium phosphate solution post-printing. Besides the main mineral compound, biocompatible ceramic, magnesium oxide and hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) were the crucial components. Two pastes with different powder to liquid ratios of 1.35 g/mL and 1.93 g/mL were characterized regarding their rheological properties. Here, ageing over the course of 24 h showed an increase in viscosity and extrusion force, which was attributed to structural changes in HPMC as well as the formation of magnesium hydroxide by hydration of MgO. The pastes enabled printing of porous scaffolds with good dimensional stability and enabled a setting reaction to struvite when immersed in ammonium phosphate solution. Mechanical performance under compression was approx. 8–20 MPa as a monolithic structure and 1.6–3.0 MPa for printed macroporous scaffolds, depending on parameters such as powder to liquid ratio, ageing time, strand thickness and distance.
As a promising biofabrication technology, extrusion-based bioprinting has gained significant attention in the last decade and major advances have been made in the development of bioinks. However, suitable synthetic and stimuli-responsive bioinks are underrepresented in this context. In this work, we described a hybrid system of nanoclay Laponite XLG and thermoresponsive block copolymer poly(2-methyl-2-oxazoline)-b-poly(2-n-propyl-2-oxazine) (PMeOx-b-PnPrOzi) as a novel biomaterial ink and discussed its critical properties relevant for extrusion-based bioprinting, including viscoelastic properties and printability. The hybrid hydrogel retains the thermogelling properties but is strengthened by the added clay (over 5 kPa of storage modulus and 240 Pa of yield stress). Importantly, the shear-thinning character is further enhanced, which, in combination with very rapid viscosity recovery (~ 1 s) and structure recovery (~ 10 s), is highly beneficial for extrusion-based 3D printing. Accordingly, various 3D patterns could be printed with markedly enhanced resolution and shape fidelity compared to the biomaterial ink without added clay.
Biointerface engineering is a wide-spread strategy to improve the healing process and subsequent tissue integration of biomaterials. Especially the integration of specific peptides is one promising strategy to promote the regenerative capacity of implants and 3D scaffolds. In vivo, these tailored interfaces are, however, first confronted with the innate immune response. Neutrophils are cells with pronounced proteolytic potential and the first recruited immune cells at the implant site; nonetheless, they have so far been underappreciated in the design of biomaterial interfaces. Herein, an in vitro approach is introduced to model and analyze the neutrophil interaction with bioactivated materials at the example of nano-bioinspired electrospun surfaces that reveals the vulnerability of a given biointerface design to the contact with neutrophils. A sacrificial, transient hydrogel coating that demonstrates optimal protection for peptide-modified surfaces and thus alleviates the immediate cleavage by neutrophil elastase is further introduced.
In vitro evaluation of antibacterial efficacy of vancomycin-loaded suture tapes and cerclage wires
(2021)
Usage of implants containing antibiotic agents has been a common strategy to prevent implant related infections in orthopedic surgery. Unfortunately, most implants with microbial repellent properties are characterized by accessibility limitations during daily clinical practice. Aim of this in vitro study was to investigate whether suture tapes and cerclage wires, which were treated with vancomycin, show a sustainable antibacterial activity. For this purpose, we used 24 stainless steel wire cerclages and 24 ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene and polyester suture tape test bodies. The test bodies were incubated for 30 min. in 100 mg/ml vancomycin solution or equivalent volumes of 0.9% NaCl. After measuring the initial solution uptake of the test bodies, antibacterial efficacy via agar diffusion test with Staphylococcus aureus and vancomycin elution tests were performed 1, 2, 3, and 6 days after incubation. Vancomycin-loaded tapes as well as vancomycin-loaded cerclage wires demonstrated increased bacterial growth inhibition when compared to NaCl-treated controls. Vancomycin-loaded tapes showed an additional twofold and eightfold increase of bacterial growth inhibition compared to vancomycin-loaded wires at day 1 and 2, respectively. Elution tests at day 1 revealed high levels of vancomycin concentration in vancomycin loaded tapes and wires. Additionally, the concentration in vancomycin loaded tapes was 14-fold higher when compared to vancomycin loaded wires. Incubating suture tapes and cerclage wires in vancomycin solution showed a good short-term antibacterial activity compared to controls. Considering the ease of vancomycin application on suture tapes or wires, our method could represent an attractive therapeutic strategy in biofilm prevention in orthopedic surgery.
Various (AB)\(_{n}\) and (ABAC)\(_{n}\) segmented copolymers with hydrophilic and hydrophobic segments are processed via melt electrowriting (MEW). Two different (AB)\(_{n}\) segmented copolymers composed of bisurea segments and hydrophobic poly(dimethyl siloxane) (PDMS) or hydrophilic poly(propylene oxide)-poly(ethylene oxide)-poly(propylene oxide) (PPO-PEG-PPO) segments, while the amphiphilic (ABAC)\(_{n}\) segmented copolymers consist of bisurea segments in the combination of hydrophobic PDMS segments and hydrophilic PPO-PEG-PPO segments with different ratios, are explored. All copolymer compositions are processed using the same conditions, including nozzle temperature, applied voltage, and collector distance, while changes in applied pressure and collector speed altered the fiber diameter in the range of 7 and 60 µm. All copolymers showed excellent processability with MEW, well-controlled fiber stacking, and inter-layer bonding. Notably, the surfaces of all four copolymer fibers are very smooth when visualized using scanning electron microscopy. However, the fibers show different roughness demonstrated with atomic force microscopy. The non-cytotoxic copolymers increased L929 fibroblast attachment with increasing PDMS content while the different copolymer compositions result in a spectrum of physical properties.
Previous research on the melt electrowriting (MEW) of poly(vinylidene difluoride) (PVDF) resulted in electroactive fibers, however, printing more than five layers is challenging. Here, we investigate the influence of a heated collector to adjust the solidification rate of the PVDF jet so that it adheres sufficiently to each layer. A collector temperature of 110°C is required to improve fiber processing, resulting in a total of 20 fiber layers. For higher temperatures and higher layers, an interesting phenomenon occurred, where the intersection points of the fibers coalesced into periodic spheres of diameter 206 ± 52 μm (26G, 150°C collector temperature, 2000 mm/min, 10 layers in x- and y-direction).The heated collector is an important component of a MEW printer that allows polymers with a high melting point to be processable with increased layers.
Evolution has endowed the lung with exceptional design providing a large surface area for gas exchange area (ca. 100 m\(^{2}\)) in a relatively small tissue volume (ca. 6 L). This is possible due to a complex tissue architecture that has resulted in one of the most challenging organs to be recreated in the lab. The need for realistic and robust in vitro lung models becomes even more evident as causal therapies, especially for chronic respiratory diseases, are lacking. Here, we describe the Cyclic In VItro Cell-stretch (CIVIC) “breathing” lung bioreactor for pulmonary epithelial cells at the air-liquid interface (ALI) experiencing cyclic stretch while monitoring stretch-related parameters (amplitude, frequency, and membrane elastic modulus) under real-time conditions. The previously described biomimetic copolymeric BETA membrane (5 μm thick, bioactive, porous, and elastic) was attempted to be improved for even more biomimetic permeability, elasticity (elastic modulus and stretchability), and bioactivity by changing its chemical composition. This biphasic membrane supports both the initial formation of a tight monolayer of pulmonary epithelial cells (A549 and 16HBE14o\(^{-}\)) under submerged conditions and the subsequent cell-stretch experiments at the ALI without preconditioning of the membrane. The newly manufactured versions of the BETA membrane did not improve the characteristics of the previously determined optimum BETA membrane (9.35% PCL and 6.34% gelatin [w/v solvent]). Hence, the optimum BETA membrane was used to investigate quantitatively the role of physiologic cyclic mechanical stretch (10% linear stretch; 0.33 Hz: light exercise conditions) on size-dependent cellular uptake and transepithelial transport of nanoparticles (100 nm) and microparticles (1,000 nm) for alveolar epithelial cells (A549) under ALI conditions. Our results show that physiologic stretch enhances cellular uptake of 100 nm nanoparticles across the epithelial cell barrier, but the barrier becomes permeable for both nano- and micron-sized particles (100 and 1,000 nm). This suggests that currently used static in vitro assays may underestimate cellular uptake and transbarrier transport of nanoparticles in the lung.
The current study aims to extend the material platform for anisotropically structured calcium phosphates to low-temperature phases such as calcium-deficient hydroxyapatite (CDHA) or the secondary phosphates monetite and brushite. This is achieved by the phase conversion of highly porous α-tricalcium phosphate (α-TCP) scaffolds fabricated by ice-templating into the aforementioned phases by hydrothermal treatment or incubation in phosphoric acid. Prior to these steps, α-TCP scaffolds are either sintered for 8 h at 1400 °C or remain in their original state. Both nonsintered and sintered α-TCP specimens are converted into CDHA by hydrothermal treatment, while a transformation into monetite and brushite is achieved by incubation in phosphoric acid. Hydrothermal treatment for 72 h at 175 °C increases the porosity in nonsintered samples from 85% to 88% and from 75% to 88% in the sintered ones. An increase in the specific surface area from (1.102 ± 0.005) to (9.17 ± 0.01) m2 g−1 and from (0.190 ± 0.004) to (2.809 ± 0.002) m2 g−1 due to the phase conversion is visible for both the nonsintered and sintered samples. Compressive strength of the nonsintered samples increases significantly from (0.76 ± 0.11) to (5.29 ± 0.94) MPa due to incubation in phosphoric acid.
Der 3D-Druck ist ein elementarer Bestandteil der Biofabrikation. Beispielsweise wird mittels Biotinten und einem geeigneten 3D-Druckverfahren Schicht für Schicht eine Geometrie aufgebaut. Durch die Gestaltung von mikrofluidischen Druckköpfen wird eine Möglichkeit geschaffen multiple Materialansätze im Druckkopf zu vermischen und so in einem bestimmten Mischungsverhältnis zu drucken.
Mit dem DLP-SLA-Drucker Vida HD Crown and Bridge (EnvisionTEC) und dem Harz E-Shell 600 (EnvisionTEC) wurden zunächst die Auflösungsgrenzen des Druckers ermittelt sowie Komponenten für die Realisierung eines mikrofluidischen Druckkopfes prozessiert.
Bei den Komponenten handelt es sich zum einen um Geometrien, die beispielsweise als Mischeinheit im Kanal dienen können und des Weiteren um senkrechte Kanäle die Biotinten führen können, sowie um Kanäle, die als Zuläufe für den Hauptkanal des mikrofluidischen Druckkopfs dienen können.
Die Eigenschaften und die technische Realisierbarkeit der gedruckten Objekte wurden eruiert.
Dabei wurden die jeweiligen Geometrien und Kanalöffnungen vermessen, große Aspektverhältnisse der Geometrien untersucht und die Durchgängigkeit der Kanäle geprüft.
Zukünftig können die prozessierten Komponenten für einen mikrofluidischen Druckkopf variabel kombiniert werden und auf dieser Basis weiterführende Experimente stattfinden.
In der vorliegenden Arbeit wurden unterschiedliche zementbasierte Knochenersatzmaterialien hinsichtlich ihres Potentials zur Behandlung knöcherner Defekte in vivo untersucht. Zwei verschiedene Calcium-dotierten Magnesiumphosphat Zementformulierungen (CMPC) wurden mit einem Referenzmaterial aus Calciumphosphat Zement (CPC) verglichen. Dazu wurden auf Basis von CMPC präfabrizierte, injizierbare Pasten bzw. sphärische Granulate hergestellt und anhand von orthotopen, potenziell kraftbelasteten Defekten in Kaninchenfemora getestet. Zentrales Ziel hierbei war es, herauszufinden, wie sich die Materialien in Defektsituationen mit Hartgewebekontakt biologisch verhalten und degradieren bzw. in Knochen umbauen. Nach einer Liegedauer von 6 bzw. 12 Wochen wurden die Knochenneubildung und die Degradation der Materialien mittels Histomorphometrie analysiert.
Alle Materialien waren biokompatibel und führten zur Bildung von neuem Knochen. Der CMPC-Zement zeigte im Vergleich zu CPC einen beschleunigten Abbau, während sich am Referenzmaterial mehr mineralisierter Knochen bildete. Die untersuchten Calcium-dotierten Struvit-bildenden Magnesiumphosphatzemente erwiesen sich als biokompatibel, gut resorbierbar und stellen mit ihrer Fähigkeit zur Knochenbildung ein vielversprechendes Knochenersatzmaterial dar.
Infektionen von Endoprothesen sind auch heute noch, obgleich aufgrund aktueller Hygienestandards seltener, eine schwerwiegende Komplikation. Die Folgen können risikoreiche Revisionsoperationen bis hin zum kompletten Prothesenverlust sein. Um die Gefahr bakterieller Protheseninfektionen zu minimieren, rückten unter anderem Oberflächenbeschichtungen mit antimikrobieller Wirkung in den Fokus der Forscher. Eine Kombination aus dem antimikrobiell wirksamen Metall Silber und dem die Härte verbessernden Stickstoff – als TiAgN – Beschichtung – zeigte bereits gute in vitro Ergebnisse (Moseke et al. 2011).
Auf Grundlage dieser positiven in vitro Studie wurde die TiAgN – Beschichtung in der hier vorliegenden Arbeit in vivo im Tiermodell untersucht. Ziel der Studie war es das Einwachsen TiAgN – beschichteter Titanimplantate im Kaninchenknochen mit unbeschichteten Titanimplantaten zu vergleichen. Hierzu wurden bei insgesamt drei Kaninchen jeweils zwei TiAgN – beschichtete Proben und eine unbeschichtete Kontrolle in beide Femora implantiert. Der Einheilzeitraum betrug drei Monate.
Nach der Entnahme der Femora wurde zunächst durch Röntgenaufnahmen die genaue Lage der Implantate festgesellt. Nach der Anfertigung von Dünnschliffen nach Donath und der Trichrom – Färbung nach Masson – Goldner wurden für die histologische Auswertung lichtmikroskopische Bilder in 40 – facher Vergrößerung angefertigt. Um den gesamten Umfang der Implantatanschnitte vermessen zu können, wurden die aufgenommen Einzelbilder zu den ursprünglichen Gesamtbildern zusammengesetzt. Die Vermessung der Implantatumfänge erfolgte hinsichtlich der Untersuchungsparameter Knochen – Implantat – Kontakt (KIK), nicht mineralisierter Knochen (Osteoid), Bindegewebe und Spalten – Implantatoberflächenbereiche an denen kein Gewebe angewachsen ist. Für die drei beobachteten Kaninchen ergab sich für die TiAgN – beschichteten Probeimplantate ein KIK von 94,87 %, ein Osteoidanteil am KIK von 45,15 % und ein Spaltanteil von 2,82 % verglichen mit den unbeschichteten Kontrollen von 97,31 % für den KIK, 60,12 % für den Osteoid – sowie 2,69 % für den Spaltanteil. Somit zeigt sich für TiAgN – beschichtete Titanimplantate kein signifikant schlechteres Einwachsen im Vergleich zu unbeschichteten Titanimplantaten.
Ausgehend von der guten antimikrobiellen Wirksamkeit und Zytokompatibilität in vitro (Moseke et al. 2011) sowie der guten Osseointegration in vivo präsentiert sich diese Beschichtung sehr vielversprechend. Dennoch sind weitere Untersuchungen erforderlich, wie beispielsweise die Überprüfung der Haftfestigkeit zwischen Beschichtung und Implantat sowie die antimikrobielle Wirksamkeit in vivo. Ergeben sich für diese Beschichtung weiterhin gute Ergebnisse, kann eine Studie am Menschen in Erwägung gezogen werden.
The aim of the thesis was to develop water soluble poly(2-oxazoline) (POx) copolymers with new side group functionalities, which can be used for the formation of hydrogels in biomedical applications and for the development of peptide-polymer conjugates.
First, random copolymers of the monomer MeOx or EtOx with ButEnOx and EtOx with DecEnOx were synthesized and characterized. The vinyl functionality brought into the copolymer by the monomers ButEnOx and DecEnOx would later serve for post-polymerization functionalization. The synthesized copolymers were further functionalized with thiols via post-polymerization functionalization using a newly developed synthesis protocol or with a protected catechol molecule for hydrogel formation. For the formation of peptide-polymer conjugates, a cyclic thioester, namely thiolactone acrylamide and an azlactone precursor, whose synthesis was newly developed, were attached to the side chain of P(EtOx-co-ButEnOx) copolymers.
The application of the functionalized thiol copolymers as hydrogels using thiol-ene chemistry for cross-linking was demonstrated. The swelling behavior and mechanical properties were characterized. The hydrophilicity of the network as well as the cross-linking density strongly influenced the swelling behavior and the mechanical strength of the hydrogels. All hydrogels showed good cell viability results.
The hydrogel networks based on MeOx and EtOx were loaded with two dyes, fluorescein and methylene blue. It was observed that the uptake of the more hydrophilic dye fluorescein depended more on the ability of the hydrogel to swell. In contrast, the uptake of the more hydrophobic dye methylene blue was less dependent on the swelling degree, but much more on the hydrophilicity of the network.
For the potential application as cartilage glue, (biohybrid) hydrogels were synthesized based on the catechol-functionalized copolymers, with and without additional fibrinogen, using sodium periodate as the oxidizing agent. The system allowed for degradation due to the incorporated ester linkages at the cross-linking points. The swelling behavior as well as the mechanical properties were characterized. As expected, hydrogels with higher degrees of cross-linking showed less swelling and higher elastic modulus. The addition of fibrinogen however increased the elasticity of the network, which can be favorable for the intended application as a cartilage glue. Biological evaluation clearly demonstrated the advantage of degradable ester links in the hydrogel network, where chondrocytes were able to bridge the artificial gap in contrast to hydrogels without any ester motifs.
Lastly, different ways to form peptide-polymer conjugates were presented. Peptides were attached with the thiol of the terminal cysteine group to the vinyl side chain of P(EtOx-co-ButEnOx) copolymers by radical thiol-ene chemistry. Another approach was to use a cyclic thioester, thiolactone, or an azlactone functionality to bind a model peptide via native chemical ligation. The two latter named strategies to bind peptides to POx side chains are especially interesting as one and in the case of thiolactone two free thiols are still present at the binding site after the reaction, which can, for example, be used for further thiol-ene cross-linking to form POx hydrogels.
In summary, side functional poly(oxazoline) copolymers show great potential for numerous biomedical applications. The various side chain functionalities can be introduced by an appropriate monomer or by post-polymerization functionalization, as demonstrated. By their multi-functionality, hydrogel characteristics, such as cross-linking degree and mechanical strength, can be fine-tuned and adjusted depending on the application in the human body. In addition, the presented chemoselective and orthogonal reaction strategies can be used in the future to synthesize polymer conjugates, which can, for example, be used in drug delivery or in tissue regeneration.
Tumorzellen, Stromazellen, Extrazellulärmatrix (EZM) und lösliche Faktoren in der Tumormikroumgebung beeinflussen und verstärken sich gegenseitig in der Ausbildung eines malignen Phänotyps. Sowohl die fibrotische EZM als auch eine kleine Subpopulation von pluripotenten Tumorstammzellen sind bekanntermaßen für die Steigerung der Tumoraggressivität verantwortlich. Inwiefern diese beiden unabhängigen Faktoren im Kontext von Brustkrebs miteinander in Beziehung stehen, ist jedoch bis heute unklar.
Um untersuchen zu können, welchen Beitrag Tumorzellen, Stromazellen, EZM und lösliche Faktoren einzeln und im Zusammenspiel zur Malignität eines Tumors leisten, ist die Entwicklung geeigneter in-vitro-Modelle unabdingbar. Daher war es das Ziel dieser Arbeit, ein 3D-Mikrotumormodell zu generieren, in dem eine Analyse dieser genannten Faktoren stattfinden könnte. An diesem Modell wurden darüber hinaus erste Untersuchungen von im Tumorkontext bekannten EZM-Proteinen durchgeführt. Um die dreidimensionale Anordnung von Tumorzellen und ihrer Gewebeumgebung adäquat wiedergeben zu können, beinhalteten die 3D-Tumorsphäroide sowohl Brustkrebszellen (MDA-MB-231) als auch Stromazellen (hASCs).
Die EZM als wichtiger Bestandteil der (Tumor-) Mikroumgebung sollte übersichtshalber durch Hämatoxylin-Eosin-Färbung und detaillierter durch immunhistochemische Analyse nach zwei verschiedenen Kulturzeitpunkten charakterisiert werden, um EZM-Veränderungen im zeitlichen Verlauf darzustellen. Im Fokus der Analyse standen die beiden wichtigsten profibrotischen EZM-Proteine Fibronektin und Kollagen I, die maßgeblich an der Pathogenese von Brustkrebs beteiligt sind. Zudem wurde das Vorkommen des Myofibroblastenmarkers α-SMA untersucht.
An den Sphäroiden einer Kontrollgruppe, die lediglich hASCs beinhaltete, sollte vergleichend eine Analyse der genannten EZM-Proteine sowie α-SMA durchgeführt werden. Um schließlich den Einfluss der von Tumorzellen sezernierten löslichen Faktoren in der Tumormikroumgebung herauszustellen, wurden Sphäroide aus hASCs in tumorkonditioniertem Medium gezüchtet und darin ebenfalls Matrixproteine und α-SMA untersucht.
Abschließend erfolgte eine Korrelation der EZM-Analyse mit dem Vorhandensein von Tumorstammzellen in den 3D-Tumorsphäroiden. Dafür wurden die Tumorstammzellen mithilfe eines GFP-basierten Reporters für den Stammzellmarker NANOG (NANOG-GFP-Reporterzelllinie) in mikroskopischen Aufnahmen der 3D-Tumorsphäroide nachgewiesen und im Kontext mit der EZM lokalisiert.
Bioprinting has emerged as a valuable threedimensional (3D) biomanufacturing method to fabricate complex hierarchical cell-containing constructs. Spanning from basic research to clinical translation, sterile starting materials are crucial. In this study, we present pharmacopeia compendial sterilization methods for the commonly used bioink component alginate. Autoclaving (sterilization in saturated steam) and sterile filtration followed by lyophilization as well as the pharmacopeia non-compendial method, ultraviolet (UV)-irradiation for disinfection, were assessed. The impact of the sterilization methods and their effects on physicochemical and rheological properties, bioprinting outcome, and sterilization efficiency of alginate were detailed. Only sterile filtration followed by lyophilization as the sterilization method retained alginate's physicochemical properties and bioprinting behavior while resulting in a sterile outcome. This set of methods provides a blueprint for the analysis of sterilization effects on the rheological and physicochemical pattern of bioink components and is easily adjustable for other polymers used in the field of biofabrication in the future.
Background
Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) based-treatments of cartilage injury are promising but impaired by high levels of hypertrophy after chondrogenic induction with several bone morphogenetic protein superfamily members (BMPs). As an alternative, this study investigates the chondrogenic induction of MSCs via adenoviral gene-delivery of the transcription factor SOX9 alone or in combination with other inducers, and comparatively explores the levels of hypertrophy and end stage differentiation in a pellet culture system in vitro.
Methods
First generation adenoviral vectors encoding SOX9, TGFB1 or IGF1 were used alone or in combination to transduce human bone marrow-derived MSCs at 5 x 10\(^2\) infectious particles/cell. Thereafter cells were placed in aggregates and maintained for three weeks in chondrogenic medium. Transgene expression was determined at the protein level (ELISA/Western blot), and aggregates were analysed histologically, immunohistochemically, biochemically and by RT-PCR for chondrogenesis and hypertrophy.
Results
SOX9 cDNA was superior to that encoding TGFB1, the typical gold standard, as an inducer of chondrogenesis in primary MSCs as evidenced by improved lacuna formation, proteoglycan and collagen type II staining, increased levels of GAG synthesis, and expression of mRNAs associated with chondrogenesis. Moreover, SOX9 modified aggregates showed a markedly lower tendency to progress towards hypertrophy, as judged by expression of the hypertrophy markers alkaline phosphatase, and collagen type X at the mRNA and protein levels.
Conclusion
Adenoviral SOX9 gene transfer induces chondrogenic differentiation of human primary MSCs in pellet culture more effectively than TGFB1 gene transfer with lower levels of chondrocyte hypertrophy after 3 weeks of in vitro culture. Such technology might enable the formation of more stable hyaline cartilage repair tissues in vivo.
Es erfolgte eine elektrochemische Abscheidung von Bruschitschichten auf Titan in Gegenwart von Kristallisationsinhibitoren. Dabei wurden die Kristallisationsinhibitoren Zitronensäure, treta-Natriumdiphosphat-Decahydrat und Phytinsäure verwendet und die entstandenen Schichten mit denen ohne Inhibitorzugabe verglichen. Um das Ausmaß der Inhibierung zu verifizieren, wurde die Masse aller Schichten gemessen, welche für die Inhibition mit Zitronensäure und Phytinsäure abnahm und für Natriumdiphosphat zunahm. Die kristallographische Zusammensetzung der mit und ohne Inhibierung abgeschiedenen Schichten wurde mit Hilfe der Röntgendiffraktometrie bestimmt und zeigte, dass sich reine Bruschitschichten mit unterschiedlichem amorphem Anteil abschieden. Die daraus entstandenen Werte lieferten zugleich die Informationen über die einzelnen Kristallitgrößen innerhalb der Schichten. Über den Einfluss der Inhibitoren auf die Schichtmorphologie gaben rasterelektronenmikroskopische Aufnahmen weiteren Aufschluss. Die Inhibition verursachte teils mit Rissen durchzogene Schichten, deren Kristallformationen sich von Standardelektrolyt unterschieden. Ausgewählte Proben wurden unter verschiedenen Bedingungen desinfiziert bzw. sterilisiert und nachfolgend erneut gewogen und mittels Röntgendiffraktogrammetrie und Rasterelektronenmikroskopie analysiert. Nach der Desinfektion entstanden reine Bruschitschichten, die an Masse verloren aber trotzdem die typischen Kristallformationen zeigten. Die Sterilisation führte zur Umwandlung von Bruschit in Monetit und Hydroxylapatit. Des Weiteren wurde die biologische Reaktion der Schichten auf humane fötale Osteoblasten-Zelllinien zur Überprüfung der Zellverträglichkeit ermittelt. Die entstandenen Ergebnisse waren nicht verwertbar und enthielt sehr hohe Standardabweichungen.
Macrophages are key players of the innate immune system that can roughly be divided into the pro-inflammatory M1 type and the anti-inflammatory, pro-healing M2 type. While a transient initial pro-inflammatory state is helpful, a prolonged inflammation deteriorates a proper healing and subsequent regeneration. One promising strategy to drive macrophage polarization by biomaterials is precise control over biomaterial geometry. For regenerative approaches, it is of particular interest to identify geometrical parameters that direct human macrophage polarization. For this purpose, we advanced melt electrowriting (MEW) towards the fabrication of fibrous scaffolds with box-shaped pores and precise inter-fiber spacing from 100 μm down to only 40 μm. These scaffolds facilitate primary human macrophage elongation accompanied by differentiation towards the M2 type, which was most pronounced for the smallest pore size of 40 μm. These new findings can be important in helping to design new biomaterials with an enhanced positive impact on tissue regeneration.
The bioprinting roadmap
(2020)
This bioprinting roadmap features salient advances in selected applications of the technique and highlights the status of current developments and challenges, as well as envisioned advances in science and technology, to address the challenges to the young and evolving technique. The topics covered in this roadmap encompass the broad spectrum of bioprinting; from cell expansion and novel bioink development to cell/stem cell printing, from organoid-based tissue organization to bioprinting of human-scale tissue structures, and from building cell/tissue/organ-on-a-chip to biomanufacturing of multicellular engineered living systems. The emerging application of printing-in-space and an overview of bioprinting technologies are also included in this roadmap. Due to the rapid pace of methodological advancements in bioprinting techniques and wide-ranging applications, the direction in which the field should advance is not immediately clear. This bioprinting roadmap addresses this unmet need by providing a comprehensive summary and recommendations useful to experienced researchers and newcomers to the field.
Magnetic particle imaging is an emerging tomographic method used for evaluation of the spatial distribution of iron‐oxide nanoparticles. In this work, the effect of the polymer coating on the response of particles was studied. Particles with covalently crosslinked coating showed improved signal and image resolution.
Bioprinting offers the opportunity to fabricate precise 3D tumor models to study tumor pathophysiology and progression. However, the choice of the bioink used is important. In this study, cell behavior was studied in three mechanically and biologically different hydrogels (alginate, alginate dialdehyde crosslinked with gelatin (ADA–GEL), and thiol-modified hyaluronan (HA-SH crosslinked with PEGDA)) with cells from breast cancer (MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7) and melanoma (Mel Im and MV3), by analyzing survival, growth, and the amount of metabolically active, living cells via WST-8 labeling. Material characteristics were analyzed by dynamic mechanical analysis. Cell lines revealed significantly increased cell numbers in low-percentage alginate and HA-SH from day 1 to 14, while only Mel Im also revealed an increase in ADA–GEL. MCF-7 showed a preference for 1% alginate. Melanoma cells tended to proliferate better in ADA–GEL and HA-SH than mammary carcinoma cells. In 1% alginate, breast cancer cells showed equally good proliferation compared to melanoma cell lines. A smaller area was colonized in high-percentage alginate-based hydrogels. Moreover, 3% alginate was the stiffest material, and 2.5% ADA–GEL was the softest material. The other hydrogels were in the same range in between. Therefore, cellular responses were not only stiffness-dependent. With 1% alginate and HA-SH, we identified matrices that enable proliferation of all tested tumor cell lines while maintaining expected tumor heterogeneity. By adapting hydrogels, differences could be accentuated. This opens up the possibility of understanding and analyzing tumor heterogeneity by biofabrication.
Erstellung eines genregulatorischen Netzwerkes zur Simulation der Entstehung von Zahnhartsubstanz
(2020)
In dieser Dissertation beschreibt der Autor die Erstellung eines grundlegenden bioinformatischen Modelles der menschlichen Zahnschmelzreifung. Mithilfe der KEGG Pathway-Datenbank wurde ein genregulatorisches Netzwerk (GRN) erstellt, welches maßgeblich auf den Signaltransduktionswegen Apoptose, Zellzyklus, Hedgehog-Signalweg, MAP-Kinase-Weg, mTOR-Signalweg Notch-Signalweg Signalweg, TGF-β-Signalweg und Wnt-Signalweg basiert. Im Weiteren wurde dieses Netzwerk durch zahlreiche verifizierte Wechselwirkungen erweitert und die zahnspezifischen Gene AMELX, AMELY, AMBN, ENAM und DSPP implementiert. In der anschließenden Simulation des Netzwerks mit dem Simulations-Tool Jimena konnten sechs stabile Zustände identifiziert werden. Diese wurden genauer untersucht und den Erkenntnissen eines GEO-Datensatzes gegenübergestellt. Langfristiges Ziel ist es, durch konsequente Optimierung des bioinformatischen Netzwerks Rückschlüsse auf die Odontogenese des Menschen zu ziehen.
Identification of articular cartilage progenitor cells (ACPCs) has opened up new opportunities for cartilage repair. These cells may be used as alternatives for or in combination with mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) in cartilage engineering. However, their potential needs to be further investigated, since only a few studies have compared ACPCs and MSCs when cultured in hydrogels. Therefore, in this study, we compared chondrogenic differentiation of equine ACPCs and MSCs in agarose constructs as monocultures and as zonally layered co-cultures under both normoxic and hypoxic conditions. ACPCs and MSCs exhibited distinctly differential production of the cartilaginous extracellular matrix (ECM). For ACPC constructs, markedly higher glycosaminoglycan (GAG) contents were determined by histological and quantitative biochemical evaluation, both in normoxia and hypoxia. Differential GAG production was also reflected in layered co-culture constructs. For both cell types, similar staining for type II collagen was detected. However, distinctly weaker staining for undesired type I collagen was observed in the ACPC constructs. For ACPCs, only very low alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, a marker of terminal differentiation, was determined, in stark contrast to what was found for MSCs. This study underscores the potential of ACPCs as a promising cell source for cartilage engineering.
Background
The role of cement-augmented screw fixation for calcaneal fracture treatment remains unclear. Therefore, this study was performed to biomechanically analyze screw osteosynthesis by reinforcement with either a calcium phosphate (CP)-based or polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA)-based injectable bone cement.
Methods
A calcaneal fracture (Sanders type IIA) including a central cancellous bone defect was generated in 27 synthetic bones, and the specimens were assigned to 3 groups. The first group was fixed with four screws (3.5 mm and 6.5 mm), the second group with screws and CP-based cement (Graftys (R) QuickSet; Graftys, Aix-en-Provence, France), and the third group with screws and PMMA-based cement (Traumacem (TM) V+; DePuy Synthes, Warsaw, IN, USA). Biomechanical testing was conducted to analyze peak-to-peak displacement, total displacement, and stiffness in following a standardized protocol.
Results
The peak-to-peak displacement under a 200-N load was not significantly different among the groups; however, peak-to-peak displacement under a 600- and 1000-N load as well as total displacement exhibited better stability in PMMA-augmented screw osteosynthesis compared to screw fixation without augmentation. The stiffness of the construct was increased by both CP- and PMMA-based cements.
Conclusion
Addition of an injectable bone cement to screw osteosynthesis is able to increase fixation strength in a biomechanical calcaneal fracture model with synthetic bones. In such cases, PMMA-based cements are more effective than CP-based cements because of their inherently higher compressive strength. However, whether this high strength is required in the clinical setting for early weight-bearing remains controversial, and the non-degradable properties of PMMA might cause difficulties during subsequent interventions in younger patients.
In vorliegender Dissertationsarbeit wurde der Einfluss von MEW-gedruckten Scaffolds aus dem synthetischen Polymer PnPrOx, einem Poly(2-oxazolin), mit verschiedenen Oberflächenstrukturen (fibrillär, glatt) auf die Proteinexpression menschlicher Makrophagen untersucht. Dabei wurde überprüft, inwiefern die Beschaffenheit der Oberflächenstruktur des Polymers die Polarisierung von Makrophagen auf Proteinebene beeinflusst.
Elektrochemisch gestützte Abscheidung kupfer- und zinkdotierter Magnesiumphosphatschichten auf Titan
(2020)
Zur Entwicklung von Implantaten, welche eine komplikationsärmere Einheilung aufweisen, wurde eine dünne, homogene Beschichtung von Titanprobenkörpern mit Struvit mithilfe elektrochemischer Abscheidung generiert. Hierbei wurden dem Basiselektrolyt in den Versuchsreihen unterschiedliche Konzentrationen an Kupfer-(II)-nitrat-3-hydrat- und/oder Zinknitrat-6-hydratlösung hinzugefügt. Die experimentelle Freisetzung erfolgte in drei unterschiedlichen physiologischen Nährmedien: simulated body fluid (SBF), fetal calf serum (FCS) und Dulbecco’s Modified Eagle Medium (DMEM). Es konnte gezeigt werden, dass eine antibakteriell wirkende Menge an Kupfer- und Zinkionen freigesetzt wurde. Zusammenfassend stellt die elektrochemische Abscheidung von mit Kupfer- und Zink-dotierten Struvit auf Titanoberflächen einen vielversprechenden Ansatz in der Implantologie hinsichtlich der Einheilzeit im Knochen sowie der Risikominimierung des Verlustes dar.
Melt electrowriting, a high‐resolution additive manufacturing technology, has so far been developed with vertical stacking of fiber layers, with a printing trajectory that is constant for each layer. In this work, microscale layer shifting is introduced through deliberately offsetting the printing trajectory for each printed layer. Inaccuracies during the printing of sinusoidal walls are corrected via layer shifting, resulting in accurate control of their geometry and mechanical properties. Furthermore, more substantial layer shifting allows stacking of fiber layers in a horizontal manner, overcoming the electrostatic autofocusing effect that favors vertical layer stacking. Novel nonlinear geometries, such as overhangs, wall texturing and branching, and smooth and abrupt changes in printing trajectory are presented, demonstrating the flexibility of the layer shifting approach beyond the state‐of‐the‐art. The practice of microscale layer shifting for melt electrowriting enables more complex geometries that promise to have a profound impact on the development of products in a broad range of applications.
Many different biofabrication approaches as well as a variety of bioinks have been developed by researchers working in the field of tissue engineering. A main challenge for bioinks often remains the difficulty to achieve shape fidelity after printing. In order to overcome this issue, a homogeneous pre-crosslinking technique, which is universally applicable to all alginate-based materials, was developed. In this study, the Young’s Modulus after post-crosslinking of selected hydrogels, as well as the chemical characterization of alginate in terms of M/G ratio and molecular weight, were determined. With our technique it was possible to markedly enhance the printability of a 2% (w/v) alginate solution, without using a higher polymer content, fillers or support structures. 3D porous scaffolds with a height of around 5 mm were printed. Furthermore, the rheological behavior of different pre-crosslinking degrees was studied. Shear forces on cells as well as the flow profile of the bioink inside the printing nozzle during the process were estimated. A high cell viability of printed NIH/3T3 cells embedded in the novel bioink of more than 85% over a time period of two weeks could be observed.
Entwicklung einer biofunktionalen Beschichtung für mit Silber dotierte Titandioxid-Nanopartikel
(2020)
Ziel dieser Arbeit war es, eine erfolgreiche Beschichtung der verschiedenen TiO2 Nanopartikel mit aufsteigendem Silberanteil herzustellen, um eine ausgeprägte Stabilisierung und Biokompatibilität der Partikel zu erreichen. Anschließend wurde ihre Wirkung gegenüber gesunden Zellen und Tumorzellen anhand von Zellversuchen untersucht.
Zunächst mussten die TiO2 Aggregate nach ihrer Redispergierung in Wasser, Toluol oder Tris Base gespalten werden, damit anschließend eine kontrollierte Beschichtung einzelner Nanopartikel durchgeführt werden konnte. Der Einfluss von Ultraschall in Form einer zweiminütigen Ultraschalltipbehandlung lieferte hierbei die niedrigsten Partikelgrößen in der DLS-Messung.
Die Beschichtungen wurden mit APTES, Dopamin und PEG-SH unter Einfluss von unterschiedlichen Ultraschalltipzeiten, Konzentrationen, Temperaturen, pH-Werten, Salzen sowie verschiedenen Magnetrührtechniken und Waschprozessen entwickelt. Durch die Charakterisierungsmethoden via dynamischer Lichtstreuung, Zetapotentialmessung, Infrarotspektroskopie, REM und STEM wurde jede Beschichtung analysiert und auf diese Weise ihre optimale Herstellungsmethode erarbeitet.
Schlussendlich wurde der Einfluss unbeschichteter sowie mit APTES, PDA und PEG-SH beschichteter TiO2 Nanopartikel mit steigendem Silberanteil anhand gesunder Zellen und Tumorzellen in vitro untersucht. Die Zellen wurden für 24 h mit den Partikeln inkubiert und anschließend mittels Durchflusszytometrie charakterisiert. Generell wurde nur eine geringfügige Auswirkung der Partikel auf die Zellen beobachtet. Die in der Literatur beworbene Aussage, dass silberdotierte TiO2 in der Lage sind, entartete Zellen zu töten, während gesunde Zellen ausgespart werden, konnte nicht bestätigt werden. Dennoch besaßen einige Faktoren einen Einfluss auf die Vitalität und Zellzahl. So spielte der steigende Silberanteil bei den Zellen eine Rolle, die einen Effekt auf die TiO2 Nanopartikel zeigten. Mit steigendem Ag-Anteil sanken Zellzahl und Vitalität stärker. Auch eine ansteigende Konzentration der beschichteten Partikel wirkte sich positiv auf das Absinken der Zellzahl aus. Besonders die adhärent wachsende Tumorzelllinie Panc02 zeigte sich sensibel gegenüber den beschichteten und unbeschichteten Partikeln. Die Beschichtung, welche die größte Auswirkung auf die Zellzahl- und Vitalitätsminderung der Zellen hatte, war eindeutig die PDA-Beschichtung.
Combining multi-scale 3D printing technologies to engineer reinforced hydrogel-ceramic interfaces
(2020)
Multi-material 3D printing technologies that resolve features at different lengths down to the microscale open new avenues for regenerative medicine, particularly in the engineering of tissue interfaces. Herein, extrusion printing of a bone-biomimetic ceramic ink and melt electrowriting (MEW) of spatially organized polymeric microfibres are integrated for the biofabrication of an osteochondral plug, with a mechanically reinforced bone-to-cartilage interface. A printable physiological temperature-setting bioceramic, based on α-tricalcium phosphate, nanohydroxyapatite and a custom-synthesized biodegradable and crosslinkable poloxamer, was developed as bone support. The mild setting reaction of the bone ink enabled us to print directly within melt electrowritten polycaprolactone meshes, preserving their micro-architecture. Ceramic-integrated MEW meshes protruded into the cartilage region of the composite plug, and were embedded with mechanically soft gelatin-based hydrogels, laden with articular cartilage chondroprogenitor cells. Such interlocking design enhanced the hydrogel-to-ceramic adhesion strength >6.5-fold, compared with non-interlocking fibre architectures, enabling structural stability during handling and surgical implantation in osteochondral defects ex vivo. Furthermore, the MEW meshes endowed the chondral compartment with compressive properties approaching those of native cartilage (20-fold reinforcement versus pristine hydrogel). The osteal and chondral compartment supported osteogenesis and cartilage matrix deposition in vitro, and the neo-synthesized cartilage matrix further contributed to the mechanical reinforcement at the ceramic-hydrogel interface. This multi-material, multi-scale 3D printing approach provides a promising strategy for engineering advanced composite constructs for the regeneration of musculoskeletal and connective tissue interfaces.
A method is reported for making hollow channels within hydrogels decorated with cell‐adhesion peptides exclusively at the channel surface. Sacrificial fibers of different diameters are used to introduce channels within poly(ethylene glycol) hydrogels crosslinked with maleimide‐thiol chemistry, which are backfilled with a cysteine‐containing peptide solution which is conjugated to the lumen with good spatial efficiency. This allows for peptide patterning in only the areas of the hydrogel where they are needed when used as cell‐guides, reducing the amount of required peptide 20‐fold when compared to bulk functionalization. The power of this approach is highlighted by successfully using these patterned hydrogels without active perfusion to guide fibroblasts and olfactory ensheathing cells—the latter having unique potential in neural repair therapies.
Objective
As native cartilage consists of different phenotypical zones, this study aims to fabricate different types of neocartilage constructs from collagen hydrogels and human mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) genetically modified to express different chondrogenic factors.
Design
Human MSCs derived from bone-marrow of osteoarthritis (OA) hips were genetically modified using adenoviral vectors encoding sex-determining region Y-type high-mobility-group-box (SOX)9,transforming growth factor beta (TGFB) 1or bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) 2cDNA, placed in type I collagen hydrogels and maintained in serum-free chondrogenic media for three weeks. Control constructs contained unmodified MSCs or MSCs expressing GFP. The respective constructs were analyzed histologically, immunohistochemically, biochemically, and by qRT-PCR for chondrogenesis and hypertrophy.
Results
Chondrogenesis in MSCs was consistently and strongly induced in collagen I hydrogels by the transgenesSOX9,TGFB1andBMP2as evidenced by positive staining for proteoglycans, chondroitin-4-sulfate (CS4) and collagen (COL) type II, increased levels of glycosaminoglycan (GAG) synthesis, and expression of mRNAs associated with chondrogenesis. The control groups were entirely non-chondrogenic. The levels of hypertrophy, as judged by expression of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and COL X on both the protein and mRNA levels revealed different stages of hypertrophy within the chondrogenic groups (BMP2>TGFB1>SOX9).
Conclusions
Different types of neocartilage with varying levels of hypertrophy could be generated from human MSCs in collagen hydrogels by transfer of genes encoding the chondrogenic factorsSOX9,TGFB1andBMP2. This technology may be harnessed for regeneration of specific zones of native cartilage upon damage.
Implants elicit an immunological response after implantation that results in the worst case in a complete implant rejection. This biomaterial-induced inflammation is modulated by macrophages and can be influenced by nanotopographical surface structures such as titania nanotubes or fractal titanium nitride (TiN) surfaces. However, their specific impact on a distinct macrophage phenotype has not been identified. By using two different levels of nanostructures and smooth samples as controls, the influence of tubular TiO2 and fractal TiN nanostructures on primary human macrophages with M1 or M2-phenotype was investigated. Therefore, nanotopographical coatings were either, directly generated by physical vapor deposition (PVD) or by electrochemical anodization of titanium PVD coatings. The cellular response of macrophages was quantitatively assessed to demonstrate a difference in biocompatibility of nanotubes in respect to human M1 and M2-macrophages. Depending on the tube diameter of the nanotubular surfaces, low cell numbers and impaired cellular activity, was detected for M2-macrophages, whereas the impact of nanotubes on M1-polarized macrophages was negligible. Importantly, we could confirm this phenotypic response on the fractal TiN surfaces. The results indicate that the investigated topographies specifically impact the macrophage M2-subtype that modulates the formation of the fibrotic capsule and the long-term response to an implant.
The physical and chemical stability of peptides for biomedical applications can be greatly enhanced through the conjugation of polymers. A well‐known but rather underemployed selective coupling functionality is the azlactone group, which readily reacts with a number of different nucleophiles without the need for activation and the formation of any by‐products. For example, azlactone functional polymers are used to react with peptides and proteins, rich in amino and thiol groups, to form polymeric beads for affinity‐based column chromatography. So far, side chain functional azlactone polymers have been mainly synthesized by radical polymerization using 2‐vinyl‐4,4‐dimethyl azlactone together with different acrylate monomers. Here, a new azlactone precursor equipped with a functional thiol is presented, which can be attached to any vinyl functional polymer by thiol–ene chemistry. Subsequently, the formation of the reactive azlactone ring can be performed in situ at high conversion rate without the need for illumination. This approach is tested on an azlactone side functional poly(2‐oxazoline) by coupling amine containing molecules including a model peptide and is proven via \(^1\)H NMR spectroscopy, IR spectroscopy, as well as HPLC measurements.
Impairments in neuronal circuits underly multiple neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders. 3D cell culture models enhance the complexity of in vitro systems and provide a microenvironment closer to the native situation than with 2D cultures. Such novel model systems will allow the assessment of neuronal network formation and their dysfunction under disease conditions. Here, mouse cortical neurons are cultured from embryonic day E17 within in a fiber‐reinforced matrix. A soft Matrigel with a shear modulus of 31 ± 5.6 Pa is reinforced with scaffolds created by melt electrowriting, improving its mechanical properties and facilitating the handling. Cortical neurons display enhance cell viability and the neuronal network maturation in 3D, estimated by staining of dendrites and synapses over 21 days in vitro, is faster in 3D compared to 2D cultures. Using functional readouts with electrophysiological recordings, different firing patterns of action potentials are observed, which are absent in the presence of the sodium channel blocker, tetrodotoxin. Voltage‐gated sodium currents display a current–voltage relationship with a maximum peak current at −25 mV. With its high customizability in terms of scaffold reinforcement and soft matrix formulation, this approach represents a new tool to study neuronal networks in 3D under normal and, potentially, disease conditions.
In Tissue Engineering, scaffolds composed of natural polymers often show a distinct lack in stability. The natural polymer gelatin is highly fragile under physiological conditions, nevertheless displaying a broad variety of favorable properties. The aim of this study was to fabricate electrospun gelatin nanofibers, in situ functionalized and stabilized during the spinning process with highly reactive star polymer NCO-sP(EO-stat-PO) (“sPEG”). A spinning protocol for homogenous, non-beaded, 500 to 1000 nm thick nanofibers from different ratios of gelatin and sPEG was successfully established. Fibers were subsequently characterized and tested with SEM imaging, tensile tests, water incubation, FTIR, EDX, and cell culture. It was shown that adding sPEG during the spinning process leads to an increase in visible fiber crosslinking, mechanical stability, and stability in water. The nanofibers were further shown to be biocompatible in cell culture with RAW 264.7 macrophages.