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Recent Developments and Applications in Tissue Mechanics and Tissue Engineering

A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Applied Biosciences and Bioengineering".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 August 2021) | Viewed by 20076

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Guest Editor
Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering "Giulio Natta", Politecnico di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy
Interests: health; biomedical engineering; biomechanics; biofluid-dynamics; bioengineering; bioreactors for tissue engineering; drug delivery; medical devices and endoprostheses; tissue mechanics
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Tissue mechanics and tissue engineering are multidisciplinary and interconnected fields, studied at multiple scales by integrating the knowledge in biology, solid mechanics, fluid dynamics, finite element modeling, imaging, electronics, automation, and design. Experimental, computational, and combined approaches are often used to investigate the structure–function relationships in tissues and to understand how their mechanics and biological pathways are altered in injury, disease, and regeneration.

The objective of this Special Issue is to present recent methods to investigate tissue mechanics or tissue engineering, or combined research between the two fields. These methods may include novel approaches such as recent technologies, new experimental setups and protocols, or novel combined experimental-numerical methods, applied to extensively studied tissues or established techniques applied to unusual tissues or tissue-engineered constructs.

Recent Developments and Applications in Tissue Mechanics and Tissue Engineering will be crucial to design reliable prostheses and implants, to predict surgical outcome after specific interventions, and for the reconstruction and regeneration of diseased or injured tissues and organs.

Prof. Dr. Federica Boschetti
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • Tissue mechanics
  • Tissue engineering
  • Structure–function relationships
  • Experimental testing
  • Computational modeling
  • 3D bioprinting
  • Biomaterials
  • Biomechanical testing

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Editorial

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2 pages, 160 KiB  
Editorial
Tissue Mechanics and Tissue Engineering
by Federica Boschetti
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(13), 6664; https://doi.org/10.3390/app12136664 - 30 Jun 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1400
Abstract
Tissue engineering (TE) combines scaffolds, cells, and chemical and physical cues to replace biological tissues [...] Full article

Research

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9 pages, 1040 KiB  
Article
Assessment of Two Commonly used Dermal Regeneration Templates in a Swine Model without Skin Grafting
by Wiebke Eisler, Jan-Ole Baur, Manuel Held, Afshin Rahmanian-Schwarz, Adrien Daigeler and Markus Denzinger
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(6), 3205; https://doi.org/10.3390/app12063205 - 21 Mar 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2374
Abstract
In the medical care of partial and full-thickness wounds, autologous skin grafting is still the gold standard of dermal replacement. In contrast to spontaneous reepithelializing of superficial wounds, deep dermal wounds often lead to disturbing scarring, with cosmetically or functionally unsatisfactory results. However, [...] Read more.
In the medical care of partial and full-thickness wounds, autologous skin grafting is still the gold standard of dermal replacement. In contrast to spontaneous reepithelializing of superficial wounds, deep dermal wounds often lead to disturbing scarring, with cosmetically or functionally unsatisfactory results. However, modern wound dressings offer promising approaches to surface reconstruction. Against the background of our future aim to develop an innovative skin substitute, we investigated the behavior of two established dermal substitutes, a crosslinked and a non-crosslinked collagen biomatrix. The products were applied topically on a total of 18 full-thickness skin defects paravertebrally on the back of female Göttingen Minipigs—six control wounds remained untreated. The evaluation was carried out planimetrically (wound closure time) and histologically (neoepidermal cell number and epidermis thickness). Both treatment groups demonstrated significantly faster reepithelialization than the controls. The histologic examination verified the highest epidermal thickness in the crosslinked biomatrix-treated wounds, whereas the non-crosslinked biomatrix-treated wounds showed a higher cell density. Our data presented a positive influence on epidermal regeneration with the chosen dermis substitutes even without additional skin transplantation and, thus, without additional donor site morbidity. Therefore, it can be stated that the single biomatrix application might be used in a clinical routine with small wounds, which needs to be investigated further in a clinical setting to determine the size and depths of a suitable wound bed. Nevertheless, currently available products cannot solely achieve wound healing that is equal to or superior to autologous tissue. Thus, the overarching aim still is the development of an innovative skin substitute to manage surface reconstruction without additional skin grafting. Full article
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10 pages, 1263 KiB  
Article
Alginate-Chitosan Microencapsulated Cells for Improving CD34+ Progenitor Maintenance and Expansion
by Retno Wahyu Nurhayati, Rafianto Dwi Cahyo, Gita Pratama, Dian Anggraini, Wildan Mubarok, Mime Kobayashi and Radiana Dhewayani Antarianto
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(17), 7887; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11177887 - 26 Aug 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2862
Abstract
Protocols for isolation, characterization, and transplantation of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) have been well established. However, difficulty in finding human leucocyte antigens (HLA)-matched donors and scarcity of HSCs are still the major obstacles of allogeneic transplantation. In this study, we developed a double-layered [...] Read more.
Protocols for isolation, characterization, and transplantation of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) have been well established. However, difficulty in finding human leucocyte antigens (HLA)-matched donors and scarcity of HSCs are still the major obstacles of allogeneic transplantation. In this study, we developed a double-layered microcapsule to deliver paracrine factors from non-matched or low-matched HSCs to other cells. The umbilical cord blood-derived hematopoietic progenitor cells, identified as CD34+ cells, were entrapped in alginate polymer and further protected by chitosan coating. The microcapsules showed no toxicity for surrounding CD34+ cells. When CD34+ cells-loaded microcapsules were co-cultured with bare CD34+ cells that have been collected from unrelated donors, the microcapsules affected surrounding cells and increased the percentage of CD34+ cell population. This study is the first to report the potency of alginate-chitosan microcapsules containing non-HLA-matched cells for improving proliferation and progenitor maintenance of CD34+ cells. Full article
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14 pages, 1378 KiB  
Article
Goldmann Tonometry and Corneal Biomechanics
by Dario Messenio, Marco Ferroni and Federica Boschetti
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(9), 4025; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11094025 - 28 Apr 2021
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 4221
Abstract
Glaucoma is the second cause of irreversible blindness in the world. Intraocular pressure (IOP) is a recognized major risk factor for the development and progression of glaucomatous damage. Goldmann applanation tonometry (GAT) is internationally accepted as the gold standard for the measurement of [...] Read more.
Glaucoma is the second cause of irreversible blindness in the world. Intraocular pressure (IOP) is a recognized major risk factor for the development and progression of glaucomatous damage. Goldmann applanation tonometry (GAT) is internationally accepted as the gold standard for the measurement of IOP. The purpose of this study was to search for correlations between Goldmann tonometry and corneal mechanical properties and thickness by means of in vitro tests. IOP was measured by the Goldmann applanation tonometer (GIOP), and by a pressure transducer inserted in the anterior chamber of the eye (TIOP), at increasing pressure levels by addition of saline solution in the anterior chamber of enucleated pig eyes (n = 49). Mechanical properties were also determined by inflation tests. The GAT underestimated the real measurements made by the pressure transducer, with most common differences in the range 15–28 mmHg. The difference between the two instruments, highlighted by the Bland–Altman test, was confirmed by ANOVA, normality tests, and Mann–Whitney’s tests, both on the data arranged for infusions and for the data organized by pressure ranges. Pearson correlation tests revealed a negative correlation between (TIOP-GIOP) and both corneal stiffness and corneal thickness. In conclusion, data obtained showed a discrepancy between GIOP and TIOP more evident for softer and thinner corneas, that is very important for glaucoma detection. Full article
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19 pages, 4356 KiB  
Article
Heterogeneity of Ex Vivo and In Vivo Properties along the Length of the Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
by Arianna Forneris, Miriam Nightingale, Alina Ismaguilova, Taisiya Sigaeva, Louise Neave, Amy Bromley, Randy D. Moore and Elena S. Di Martino
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(8), 3485; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11083485 - 13 Apr 2021
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2276
Abstract
The current clinical guidelines for the management of aortic abdominal aneurysms (AAAs) overlook the structural and mechanical heterogeneity of the aortic tissue and its role in the regional weakening that drives disease progression. This study is a comprehensive investigation of the structural and [...] Read more.
The current clinical guidelines for the management of aortic abdominal aneurysms (AAAs) overlook the structural and mechanical heterogeneity of the aortic tissue and its role in the regional weakening that drives disease progression. This study is a comprehensive investigation of the structural and biomechanical heterogeneity of AAA tissue along the length and circumference of the aorta, by means of regional ex vivo and in vivo properties. Biaxial testing and histological analysis were performed on ex vivo human aortic specimens systematically collected during open repair surgery. Wall-shear stress and three-dimensional principal strain analysis were performed to allow for in vivo regional characterization of individual aortas. A marked effect of position along the aortic length was observed in both ex vivo and in vivo properties, with the central regions corresponding to the aneurysmal sac being significantly different from the adjacent regions. The heterogeneity along the circumference of the aorta was reflected in the ex vivo biaxial response at low strains and histological properties. Present findings uniquely show the importance of regional characterization for aortic assessment and the need to correlate heterogeneity at the tissue level with non-invasive measurements aimed at improving clinical outcomes. Full article
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Review

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15 pages, 866 KiB  
Review
The Evolution of Fabrication Methods in Human Retina Regeneration
by Beatrice Belgio, Anna Paola Salvetti, Sara Mantero and Federica Boschetti
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(9), 4102; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11094102 - 30 Apr 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 5979
Abstract
Optic nerve and retinal diseases such as age-related macular degeneration and inherited retinal dystrophies (IRDs) often cause permanent sight loss. Currently, a limited number of retinal diseases can be treated. Hence, new strategies are needed. Regenerative medicine and especially tissue engineering have recently [...] Read more.
Optic nerve and retinal diseases such as age-related macular degeneration and inherited retinal dystrophies (IRDs) often cause permanent sight loss. Currently, a limited number of retinal diseases can be treated. Hence, new strategies are needed. Regenerative medicine and especially tissue engineering have recently emerged as promising alternatives to repair retinal degeneration and recover vision. Here, we provide an overview of retinal anatomy and diseases and a comprehensive review of retinal regeneration approaches. In the first part of the review, we present scaffold-free approaches such as gene therapy and cell sheet technology while in the second part, we focus on fabrication techniques to produce a retinal scaffold with a particular emphasis on recent trends and advances in fabrication techniques. To this end, the use of electrospinning, 3D bioprinting and lithography in retinal regeneration was explored. Full article
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