Schwann cells acquire a repair phenotype after assembling into spheroids and show enhanced in vivo therapeutic potential for promoting peripheral nerve repair.

The prognosis for postinjury peripheral nerve regeneration remains suboptimal. Although transplantation of exogenous Schwann cells (SCs) has been considered a promising treatment to promote nerve repair, this strategy has been hampered in practice by the limited availability of SC sources and an insufficient postengraftment cell retention rate. In this study, to address these challenges, SCs were aggregated into spheroids before being delivered to an injured rat sciatic nerve. We found that the three-dimensional aggregation of SCs induced their acquisition of a repair phenotype, as indicated by enhanced levels of c-Jun expression/activation and decreased expression of myelin sheath protein. Furthermore, our in vitro results demonstrated the superior potential of the SC spheroid-derived secretome in promoting neurite outgrowth of dorsal root ganglion neurons, enhancing the proliferation and migration of endogenous SCs, and recruiting macrophages. Moreover, transplantation of SC spheroids into rats after sciatic nerve transection effectively increased the postinjury nerve structure restoration and motor functional recovery rates, demonstrating the therapeutic potential of SC spheroids. In summary, transplantation of preassembled SC spheroids may hold great potential for enhancing the cell delivery efficiency and the resultant therapeutic outcome, thereby improving SC-based transplantation approaches for promoting peripheral nerve regeneration.

The Transplantation of 3-Dimensional Spheroids of Adipose-Derived Stem Cells Promotes Achilles Tendon Healing in Rabbits by Enhancing the Proliferation of Tenocytes and Suppressing M1 Macrophages.

BACKGROUND: Tendons have limited regenerative potential, so healing of ruptured tendon tissue requires a prolonged period, and the prognosis is suboptimal. Although stem cell transplantation-based approaches show promise for accelerating tendon repair, the resultant therapeutic efficacy remains unsatisfactory. HYPOTHESIS: The transplantation of stem cells preassembled as 3-dimensional spheroids achieves a superior therapeutic outcome compared with the transplantation of single-cell suspensions. STUDY DESIGN: Controlled laboratory study. METHODS: Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) were assembled as spheroids using a methylcellulose hydrogel system. The secretome of ADSC suspensions or spheroids was collected and utilized to treat tenocytes and macrophages to evaluate their therapeutic potential and investigate the mechanisms underlying their effects. RNA sequencing was performed to investigate the global difference in gene expression between ADSC suspensions and spheroids in an in vitro inflammatory microenvironment. For the in vivo experiment, rabbits that underwent Achilles tendon transection, followed by stump suturing, were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 groups: intratendinous injection of saline, rabbit ADSCs as conventional single-cell suspensions, or preassembled ADSC spheroids. The tendons were harvested for biomechanical testing and histological analysis at 4 weeks postoperatively. RESULTS: Our in vitro results demonstrated that the secretome of ADSCs assembled as spheroids exhibited enhanced modulatory activity in (1) tenocyte proliferation (P = .015) and migration (P = .001) by activating extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling and (2) the suppression of the secretion of interleukin-6 (P = .005) and interleukin-1α (P = .042) by M1 macrophages via the COX-2/PGE2/EP4 signaling axis. Gene expression profiling of cells exposed to an inflammatory milieu revealed significantly enriched terms that were associated with the immune response, cytokines, and tissue remodeling in preassembled ADSC spheroids. Ex vivo fluorescence imaging revealed that the engraftment efficiency of ADSCs in the form of spheroids was higher than that of ADSCs in single-cell suspensions (P = .003). Furthermore, the transplantation of ADSC spheroids showed superior therapeutic effects in promoting the healing of sutured stumps, as evidenced by improvements in the tensile strength (P = .019) and fiber alignment (P < .001) of the repaired tendons. CONCLUSION: The assembly of ADSCs as spheroids significantly advanced their potential to harness tenocytes and macrophages. As a proof of concept, this study clearly demonstrates the effectiveness of using ADSC spheroids to promote tendon regeneration. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The present study lays a foundation for future clinical applications of stem cell spheroid-based therapy for the management of tendon injuries.

Aligned core-shell fibrous nerve wrap containing Bletilla striata polysaccharide improves functional outcomes of peripheral nerve repair.

Peripheral nerve injuries are commonly encountered in extremity traumas. Their motor and sensory recovery following microsurgical repair is limited by slow regeneration speed (<1 mm/d) and subsequent muscle atrophy, which are consequently correlated with the activity of local Schwann cells and efficacy of axon outgrowth. To promote post-surgical nerve regeneration, we synthesized a nerve wrap consisting of an aligned polycaprolactone (PCL) fiber shell with a Bletilla striata polysaccharide (BSP) core (APB). Cell experiments demonstrated that the APB nerve wrap markedly promoted neurite outgrowth and Schwann cell migration and proliferation. Animal experiments applying a rat sciatic nerve repair model indicated that the APB nerve wrap restored conduction efficacy of the repaired nerve and the compound action potential as well as contraction force of the related leg muscles. Histology of the downstream nerves disclosed significantly higher fascicle diameter and myelin thickness with the APB nerve wrap compared to those without BSP. Thus, the BSP-loaded nerve wrap is potentially beneficial for the functional recovery after peripheral nerve repair and offers sustained targeted release of a natural polysaccharide with good bioactivity.

Association of metallothionein 2A rs10636 with low mean corpuscular volume (MCV), low mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) in healthy Taiwanese.

Human metallothionein-2A (MT2A) protein participates in metal homeostasis, detoxification, oxidative stress reduction, and immune defense. It decreases heavy metal ions and reactive oxygen species (ROS) during injury of cells and tissues. The single nucleotide polymorphisms at the MT2A gene have been associated in various human diseases including cancer. The current study aimed to elucidate associations between MT2A genotypes with the clinical, biochemical, and molecular characteristics that potentially related to lowered MT2A ex-pression. One hundred and forty-one healthy Taiwanese subjects were enrolled from Changhua Show-Chwan Memorial Hospital. Clinical, biochemical and molecular characteristics including the frequent minor allele SNPs, rs28366003 and rs10636, within the MT2A gene were determined. The genotype distribution of MT2A rs10636 fits the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. The significant associations with gradually decline of mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) were identified with MT2A rs10636 and rs28366003 using analysis of variance (ANOVA) with Tukey's analysis as a post hoc test. We further validated the correlations between the expressions of genes in erythropoiesis, cholesterol synthesis, platelet synthesis, insulin with MT2A using the web-based Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) databases. The results revealed that hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α), erythropoietin (EPO), lipoprotein lipase (LPL), and lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) mRNA ex-pression are significantly correlated with MT2A mRNA expression. In conclusion, these results suggested that genetic variations of MT2A rs10636 and rs28366003 might be an important risk factor for erythropoiesis in the Taiwanese general population.

Feasibility and Potential Effects of Robot-Assisted Passive Range of Motion Training in Combination with Conventional Rehabilitation on Hand Function in Patients with Chronic Stroke.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effects of exoskeleton robot-assisted passive range of motion for induction training in combination with conventional hand rehabilitation in patients with chronic stroke. DESIGN: Single-cohort feasibility study. SUBJECTS: Chronic stroke with severe upper extremity hemiparesis. METHODS: Thirty sessions of therapy over a period of 10 weeks. Each session started with 30 min robot-assisted passive range of motion for the hand, followed by 30 min conventional hand rehabilitation. The Fugl-Meyer Assessment for upper extremity, arm subscore of Motricity Index, Functional Independence Measure and Fugl-Meyer assessment for sensation (Fugl-Meyer assessment-sensory) were conducted at pre-intervention (pre) and after the 16th (16-post) and 30th (30-post) sessions of interventions. RESULTS: Twelve patients with chronic stroke were recruited. The Fugl-Meyer assessment for upper extremity (16-post vs 30-post, p = 0.011), arm subscore of Motricity Index (pre vs 30-post, p = 0.012) and Functional Independence Measure (pre vs 30-post, p = 0.007; 16- post vs 30-post, p = 0.016) improved significantly after the therapy. However, FMA-sensory did not change significantly. CONCLUSION: Exoskeleton robot-assisted passive range of motion of the hand using an exoskeleton can be considered as an induction therapy before starting conventional therapy for hand rehabilitation in patients with chronic stroke. Further randomized control trials are needed to verify the therapeutic benefits.

Strontium Peroxide-Loaded Composite Scaffolds Capable of Generating Oxygen and Modulating Behaviors of Osteoblasts and Osteoclasts.

The reconstruction of bone defects remains challenging. The utilization of bone autografts, although quite promising, is limited by several drawbacks, especially substantial donor site complications. Recently, strontium (Sr), a bioactive trace element with excellent osteoinductive, osteoconductive, and pro-angiogenic properties, has emerged as a potential therapeutic agent for bone repair. Herein, a strontium peroxide (SrO2)-loaded poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA)-gelatin scaffold system was developed as an implantable bone substitute. Gelatin sponges serve as porous osteoconductive scaffolds, while PLGA not only reinforces the mechanical strength of the gelatin but also controls the rate of water infiltration. The encapsulated SrO2 can release Sr2+ in a sustained manner upon exposure to water, thus effectively stimulating the proliferation of osteoblasts and suppressing the formation of osteoclasts. Moreover, SrO2 can generate hydrogen peroxide and subsequent oxygen molecules to increase local oxygen tension, an essential niche factor for osteogenesis. Collectively, the developed SrO2-loaded composite scaffold shows promise as a multifunctional bioactive bone graft for bone tissue engineering.

Downregulation of Methionine Cycle Genes MAT1A and GNMT Enriches Protein-Associated Translation Process and Worsens Hepatocellular Carcinoma Prognosis.

The major biological methyl donor, S-adenosylmethionine (adoMet) synthesis occurs mainly in the liver. Methionine adenosyltransferase 1A (MAT1A) and glycine N-methyltransferase (GNMT) are two key enzymes involved in the functional implications of that variation. We collected 42 RNA-seq data from paired hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and its adjacent normal liver tissue from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). There was no mutation found in MAT1A or GNMT RNA in the 42 HCC patients. The 11,799 genes were annotated in the RNA-Seq data, and their expression levels were used to investigate the phenotypes of low MAT1A and low GNMT by Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA). The REACTOME_TRANSLATION gene set was enriched and visualized in a heatmap along with corresponding differences in gene expression between low MAT1A versus high MAT1A and low GNMT versus high GNMT. We identified 43 genes of the REACTOME_TRANSLATION gene set that are powerful prognosis factors in HCC. The significantly predicted genes were referred into eukaryotic translation initiation (EIF3B, EIF3K), eukaryotic translation elongation (EEF1D), and ribosomal proteins (RPs). Cell models expressing various MAT1A and GNMT proved that simultaneous restoring the expression of MAT1A and GNMT decreased cell proliferation, invasion, as well as the REACTOME_TRANSLATION gene EEF1D, consistent with a better prognosis in human HCC. We demonstrated new findings that downregulation or defect in MAT1A and GNMT genes can enrich the protein-associated translation process that may account for poor HCC prognosis. This is the first study demonstrated that MAT1A and GNMT, the 2 key enzymes involved in methionine cycle, could attenuate the function of ribosome translation. We propose a potential novel mechanism by which the diminished GNMT and MAT1A expression may confer poor prognosis for HCC.

Magnetic Responsive Release of Nitric Oxide from an MOF-Derived Fe3O4@PLGA Microsphere for the Treatment of Bacteria-Infected Cutaneous Wound.

Nitric oxide (NO) is an essential endogenous signaling molecule regulating multifaceted physiological functions in the (cardio)vascular, neuronal, and immune systems. Due to the short half-life and location-/concentration-dependent physiological function of NO, translational application of NO as a novel therapeutic approach, however, awaits a strategy for spatiotemporal control on the delivery of NO. Inspired by the magnetic hyperthermia and magneto-triggered drug release featured by Fe3O4 conjugates, in this study, we aim to develop a magnetic responsive NO-release material (MagNORM) featuring dual NO-release phases, namely, burst and steady release, for the selective activation of NO-related physiology and treatment of bacteria-infected cutaneous wound. After conjugation of NO-delivery [Fe(µ-S-thioglycerol)(NO)2]2 with a metal-organic framework (MOF)-derived porous Fe3O4@C, encapsulation of obtained conjugates within the thermo-responsive poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microsphere completes the assembly of MagNORM. Through continuous/pulsatile/no application of the alternating magnetic field (AMF) to MagNORM, moreover, burst/intermittent/slow release of NO from MagNORM demonstrates the AMF as an ON/OFF switch for temporal control on the delivery of NO. Under continuous application of the AMF, in particular, burst release of NO from MagNORM triggers an effective anti-bacterial activity against both Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Gram-negative Escherichia coli (E. coli). In addition to the magneto-triggered bactericidal effect of MagNORM against E. coli-infected cutaneous wound in mice, of importance, steady release of NO from MagNORM without the AMF promotes the subsequent collagen formation and wound healing in mice.

Reversal of pancreatic desmoplasia by a tumour stroma-targeted nitric oxide nanogel overcomes TRAIL resistance in pancreatic tumours.

OBJECTIVE: Stromal barriers, such as the abundant desmoplastic stroma that is characteristic of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), can block the delivery and decrease the tumour-penetrating ability of therapeutics such as tumour necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL), which can selectively induce cancer cell apoptosis. This study aimed to develop a TRAIL-based nanotherapy that not only eliminated the extracellular matrix barrier to increase TRAIL delivery into tumours but also blocked antiapoptotic mechanisms to overcome TRAIL resistance in PDAC. DESIGN: Nitric oxide (NO) plays a role in preventing tissue desmoplasia and could thus be delivered to disrupt the stromal barrier and improve TRAIL delivery in PDAC. We applied an in vitro-in vivo combinatorial phage display technique to identify novel peptide ligands to target the desmoplastic stroma in both murine and human orthotopic PDAC. We then constructed a stroma-targeted nanogel modified with phage display-identified tumour stroma-targeting peptides to co-deliver NO and TRAIL to PDAC and examined the anticancer effect in three-dimensional spheroid cultures in vitro and in orthotopic PDAC models in vivo. RESULTS: The delivery of NO to the PDAC tumour stroma resulted in reprogramming of activated pancreatic stellate cells, alleviation of tumour desmoplasia and downregulation of antiapoptotic BCL-2 protein expression, thereby facilitating tumour penetration by TRAIL and substantially enhancing the antitumour efficacy of TRAIL therapy. CONCLUSION: The co-delivery of TRAIL and NO by a stroma-targeted nanogel that remodels the fibrotic tumour microenvironment and suppresses tumour growth has the potential to be translated into a safe and promising treatment for PDAC.

Ascorbic acid ameliorates corneal endothelial dysfunction and enhances cell proliferation via the noncanonical GLUT1-ERK axis.

BACKGROUND: The pumping function of corneal endothelial cells (CECs) plays a pivotal role in the maintenance of corneal water homeostasis. Corneal endothelial dysfunction (CED) leads to corneal edema and opacity, but with the exception of keratoplasty, no optimal therapeutic strategies have been established for CED. In this study, we aimed to investigate the ameliorative effect of ascorbic acid (AA) on CED and the underlying mechanism of action in the corneal endothelium. METHODS: Rabbit corneal endothelial damage was induced by anterior chamber injection of benzalkonium chloride (BAK). AA was topically administered to the corneal surface, and the transparency and thickness of the cornea were assessed by external eye photography, slit-lamp photography, and ultrasonic pachymetry. To further analyze the mechanism, rabbit CECs and immortalized human CECs (B4G12 cells) were cultured. A ferric reducing/antioxidant and AA (FRASC) assay was performed to measure the AA concentration. Cell proliferation was evaluated by cell counting and bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) labeling assays, and protein expression was examined by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC/MS) and immunoblotting. The involvement of glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) and phospho-ERK was evaluated via GLUT1-siRNA and phospho-ERK inhibitor (PD98059) treatment. INTERPRETATION: We observed that topical AA ameliorates BAK-induced rabbit corneal endothelial damage. Furthermore, we demonstrated that AA is transported into B4G12 cells via GLUT1, and afterward, AA increases ERK phosphorylation and promotes cell proliferation. Our findings indicate that CEC proliferation stimulated via the noncanonical AA-GLUT1-ERK axis contributes to AA-enhanced healing of CED.

Modulation of Inherent Niches in 3D Multicellular MSC Spheroids Reconfigures Metabolism and Enhances Therapeutic Potential.

Multicellular spheroids show three-dimensional (3D) organization with extensive cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix interactions. Owing to their native tissue-mimicking characteristics, mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) spheroids are considered promising as implantable therapeutics for stem cell therapy. Herein, we aim to further enhance their therapeutic potential by tuning the cultivation parameters and thus the inherent niche of 3D MSC spheroids. Significantly increased expression of multiple pro-regenerative paracrine signaling molecules and immunomodulatory factors by MSCs was observed after optimizing the conditions for spheroid culture. Moreover, these alterations in cellular behaviors may be associated with not only the hypoxic niche developed in the spheroid core but also with the metabolic reconfiguration of MSCs. The present study provides efficient methods for manipulating the therapeutic capacity of 3D MSC spheroids, thus laying solid foundations for future development and clinical application of spheroid-based MSC therapy for regenerative medicine.

Cell-Penetrating Delivery of Nitric Oxide by Biocompatible Dinitrosyl Iron Complex and Its Dermato-Physiological Implications.

After the discovery of endogenous dinitrosyl iron complexes (DNICs) as a potential biological equivalent of nitric oxide (NO), bioinorganic engineering of [Fe(NO)2] unit has emerged to develop biomimetic DNICs [(NO)2Fe(L)2] as a chemical biology tool for controlled delivery of NO. For example, water-soluble DNIC [Fe2(µ-SCH2CH2OH)2(NO)4] (DNIC-1) was explored for oral delivery of NO to the brain and for the activation of hippocampal neurogenesis. However, the kinetics and mechanism for cellular uptake and intracellular release of NO, as well as the biocompatibility of synthetic DNICs, remain elusive. Prompted by the potential application of NO to dermato-physiological regulations, in this study, cellular uptake and intracellular delivery of DNIC [Fe2(µ-SCH2CH2COOH)2(NO)4] (DNIC-2) and its regulatory effect/biocompatibility toward epidermal cells were investigated. Upon the treatment of DNIC-2 to human fibroblast cells, cellular uptake of DNIC-2 followed by transformation into protein-bound DNICs occur to trigger the intracellular release of NO with a half-life of 1.8 ± 0.2 h. As opposed to the burst release of extracellular NO from diethylamine NONOate (DEANO), the cell-penetrating nature of DNIC-2 rationalizes its overwhelming efficacy for intracellular delivery of NO. Moreover, NO-delivery DNIC-2 can regulate cell proliferation, accelerate wound healing, and enhance the deposition of collagen in human fibroblast cells. Based on the in vitro and in vivo biocompatibility evaluation, biocompatible DNIC-2 holds the potential to be a novel active ingredient for skincare products.

Robust O2 Supplementation from a Trimetallic Nanozyme-Based Self-Sufficient Complementary System Synergistically Enhances the Starvation/Photothermal Therapy against Hypoxic Tumors.

Much effort has been focused on novel nanomedicine for cancer therapy. However, tumor hypoxia limits the efficacy of various cancer therapeutics. Herein, we constructed a self-sufficient hybrid enzyme-based silk fibroin hydrogel system, consisting of Pt-decorated hollow Ag-Au trimetallic nanocages (HGN@Pt) and glucose oxidase (GOx), to supply O2 continuously and consume glucose concurrently and, thereby, synergistically enhance the anti-cancer efficacy of a combined starvation and photothermal therapy operating in a hypoxic tumor microenvironment. Thanks to the cooperative effects of the active surface atoms (resulting from the island-like features of the Pt coating), the intrinsically hollow structure, and the strain effect induced by the trimetallic composition, HGN@Pt displayed efficient catalase-like activity. The enhancement in the generation of O2 through the decomposition of H2O2 mediated by the as-designed nanozyme was greater than 400% when compared with that of hollow Ag-Pt bimetallic nanospheres or tiny Pt nanoparticles. Moreover, in the presence of HGN@Pt, significant amounts of O2 could be generated within a few minutes, even in an acidic buffer solution (pH 5.8-6.5) containing a low concentration of H2O2 (100-500 µM). Because HGN@Pt exhibited a strong surface plasmon resonance peak in the near-infrared wavelength range, it could be used as a photothermal agent for hyperthermia therapy. Furthermore, GOx was released gradually from the SF hydrogel into the tumor microenvironment to mediate the depletion of glucose, leading to glucose starvation-induced cancer cell death. Finally, the O2 supplied by HGN@Pt overcame the hypoxia of the microenvironment and, thereby, promoted the starvation therapeutic effect of the GOx-mediated glucose consumption. Meanwhile, the GOx-produced H2O2 from the oxidation of glucose could be used to regenerate O2 and, thereby, construct a complementary circulatory system. Accordingly, this study presents a self-sufficient hybrid enzyme-based system that synergistically alleviates tumor hypoxia and induces an anti-cancer effect when combined with irradiation of light from a near-infrared laser.

Injection of hybrid 3D spheroids composed of podocytes, mesenchymal stem cells, and vascular endothelial cells into the renal cortex improves kidney function and replenishes glomerular podocytes.

Podocytes are highly differentiated epithelial cells that are crucial for maintaining the glomerular filtration barrier in the kidney. Podocyte injury followed by depletion is the major cause of pathological progression of kidney diseases. Although cell therapy has been considered a promising alternative approach to kidney transplantation for the treatment of kidney injury, the resultant therapeutic efficacy in terms of improved renal function is limited, possibly owing to significant loss of engrafted cells. Herein, hybrid three-dimensional (3D) cell spheroids composed of podocytes, mesenchymal stem cells, and vascular endothelial cells were designed to mimic the glomerular microenvironment and as a cell delivery vehicle to replenish the podocyte population by cell transplantation. After creating a native glomerulus-like condition, the expression of multiple genes encoding growth factors and basement membrane factors that are strongly associated with podocyte maturation and functionality was significantly enhanced. Our in vivo results demonstrated that intrarenal transplantation of podocytes in the form of hybrid 3D cell spheroids improved engraftment efficiency and replenished glomerular podocytes. Moreover, the proteinuria of the experimental mice with hypertensive nephropathy was effectively reduced. These data clearly demonstrated the potential of hybrid 3D cell spheroids for repairing injured kidneys.

Bioactive Decellularized Extracellular Matrix Derived from 3D Stem Cell Spheroids under Macromolecular Crowding Serves as a Scaffold for Tissue Engineering.

Scaffolds for tissue engineering aim to mimic the native extracellular matrix (ECM) that provides physical support and biochemical signals to modulate multiple cell behaviors. However, the majority of currently used biomaterials are oversimplified and therefore fail to provide a niche required for the stimulation of tissue regeneration. In the present study, 3D decellularized ECM (dECM) scaffolds derived from mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) spheroids and with intricate matrix composition are developed. Specifically, application of macromolecular crowding (MMC) to MSC spheroid cultures facilitate ECM assembly in a 3D configuration, resulting in the accumulation of ECM and associated bioactive components. Decellularized 3D dECM constructs produced under MMC are able to adequately preserve the microarchitecture of structural ECM components and are characterized by higher retention of growth factors. This results in a stronger proangiogenic bioactivity as compared to constructs produced under uncrowded conditions. These dECM scaffolds can be homogenously populated by endothelial cells, which direct the macroassembly of the structures into larger cell-carrying constructs. Application of empty scaffolds enhances intrinsic revascularization in vivo, indicating that the 3D dECM scaffolds represent optimal proangiogenic bioactive blocks for the construction of larger engineered tissue constructs.

Transplantation of 3D MSC/HUVEC spheroids with neuroprotective and proangiogenic potentials ameliorates ischemic stroke brain injury.

Ischemic stroke, and the consequent brain cell death, is a common cause of death and disability worldwide. Current treatments that primarily aim to relieve symptoms are relatively inefficient in achieving brain tissue regeneration and functional recovery, and thus novel therapeutic options are urgently needed. Although cell-based therapies have shown promise for treating the infarcted brain, a recurring challenge is the inadequate retention and engraftment of transplanted cells at the target tissue, thereby limiting the ultimate therapeutic efficacy. Here, we show that transplantation of preassembled three-dimensional (3D) spheroids of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and vascular endothelial cells (ECs) results in significantly improved cell retention and survival compared with conventional mixed-cell suspensions. The transplanted 3D spheroids exhibit notable neuroprotective, proneurogenic, proangiogenic and anti-scarring potential as evidenced by clear extracellular matrix structure formation and paracrine factor expression and secretion; this ultimately results in increased structural and motor function recovery in the brain of an ischemic stroke mouse model. Therefore, transplantation of MSCs and ECs using the 3D cell spheroid configuration not only reduces cell loss during cell harvesting/administration but also enhances the resultant therapeutic benefit, thus providing important proof-of-concept for future clinical translation.

Gelatin scaffold with multifunctional curcumin-loaded lipid-PLGA hybrid microparticles for regenerating corneal endothelium.

Corneal transplantation is currently the only approach to cure corneal blindness. Cell-based strategies that employ corneal endothelial cells (CECs) grown on supporting biomaterials hold great promise as possible alternative therapies for treating corneal endothelial dysfunction. Nevertheless, most biomaterials are used merely because of their robust mechanical properties, providing passive physical support for the transplantation of CEC monolayers. Based on the versatility of curcumin in ophthalmic applications, this study aims to develop a multifunctional scaffold system that can not only support the function and transplantation of CECs but also prevents post-engraftment complications by sustained curcumin release, thus enhancing the long-term success of CEC engraftment. Curcumin-loaded lipid-poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA; Cur@MPs) hybrid microparticles (MPs) fabricated using an oil-in-water single emulsion method are embedded into gelatin-based scaffolds. The anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, and anti-angiogenic potentials of the developed scaffolds and their capacity in supporting CEC monolayer formation are evaluated. The Cur@MPs are capable of promoting CEC proliferation, protecting CECs from oxidative stress-induced cell death via modulating Nrf2/HO-1 signaling axis, suppressing the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines by macrophages, and inhibiting the migration and angiogenesis of vascular endothelial cells. By incorporating the Cur@MPs into a thin gelatin membrane, the fabricated scaffold is able to support the growth and organization of CECs into a polygonal morphology with tight junctions. These experimental results demonstrate the potential of the Cur@MPs-loaded gelatin scaffold for actively supporting the survival and function of CEC monolayers after transplantation.

Optimizing an Injectable Composite Oxygen-Generating System for Relieving Tissue Hypoxia.

Oxygen deficiency resulting from bone fracture-induced vascular disruption leads to massive cell death and delayed osteoblast differentiation, ultimately impairing new bone formation and fracture healing. Enhancing local tissue oxygenation can help promote bone regeneration. In this work, an injectable composite oxygen-generating system consisting of calcium peroxide (CaO2)/manganese dioxide (MnO2)-encapsulated poly lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) microparticles (CaO2 + MnO2@PLGA MPs) is proposed for the local delivery of oxygen. By utilizing a series of methodologies, the impacts of each component used for MP fabrication on the oxygen release behavior and cytotoxicity of the CaO2 + MnO2@ PLGA MPs are thoroughly investigated. Our analytical data obtained from in vitro studies indicate that the optimized CaO2 + MnO2@PLGA MPs developed in this study can effectively relieve the hypoxia of preosteoblast MC3T3-E1 cells that are grown under low oxygen tension and promote their osteogenic differentiation, thus holding great promise in enhancing fractural healing by increasing tissue oxygenation.

Development of a Novel Hanging Drop Platform for Engineering Controllable 3D Microenvironments.

Conventional biomedical research is mostly performed by utilizing a two-dimensional monolayer culture, which fails to recapitulate the three-dimensional (3D) organization and microenvironment of native tissues. To overcome this limitation, several methods are developed to fabricate microtissues with the desired 3D microenvironment. However, they tend to be time-consuming, labor-intensive, or costly, thus hindering the application of 3D microtissues as models in a wide variety of research fields. In the present study, we have developed a pressure-assisted network for droplet accumulation (PANDA) system, an easy-to-use chip that comprises a multichannel fluidic system and a hanging drop cell culture module for uniform 3D microtissue formation. This system can control the desired artificial niches for modulating the fate of the stem cells to form the different sizes of microtissue by adjusting the seeding density. Furthermore, a large number of highly consistent 3D glomerulus-like heterogeneous microtissues that are composed of kidney glomerular podocytes and mesenchymal stem cells have been formed successfully. These data suggest that the developed PANDA system can be employed as a rapid and economical platform to fabricate microtissues with tunable 3D microenvironment and cellular heterogeneity, thus can be employed as tissue-mimicking models in various biomedical research.