Application of Bioengineered Models in Disease Modeling and Organ Regeneration

A special issue of Bioengineering (ISSN 2306-5354). This special issue belongs to the section "Regenerative Engineering".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 September 2024) | Viewed by 9728

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Pediatrics Department, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
Interests: 3D models; organoids; organ-on-a-chip; biomechanics; biomaterials; disease modeling; drug screening

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Guest Editor
Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
Interests: organ-on-a-chip; cancer immunotherapy; microfluidics; 3D model system for drug delivery; cell mechanics; traction force; optical tweezers

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Guest Editor
Biomedical Materials Science, School of Dentistry, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216, USA
Interests: synthesis and modification of polymeric biomaterials; tissue engineering; multi-component drug delivery systems; in vitro tissue and disease models
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

To overcome the limitations of the traditional monolayer-culture-in-a-dish, there has been a renewed effort to develop improved bioengineered model systems (organoids/organ-chips) that better recapitulate the structure and biology of native human organ and, by extension, their development and diseases. Successful generation of these models requires the convergence of biology and engineering expertise to recreate the microstructural, histological, and functional properties of the native organ. Bioengineered models are needed for improving the in vitro preclinical disease models for drug testing, as well as allowing a deeper understanding of different developmental stages at the molecular and cellular level that can lead to organ regeneration.

In this Special Issue, we invite original research work, as well as reviews on development and application of novel bioengineered microphysiological model systems. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:

  1. Advanced experimental methods for developing bioengineered models, such as organoid, organ-chip, synergistic system (organoid+ organ-chip), etc.;
  2. Advancements in related technologies such as biomaterials, scaffold engineering, microfluidics, 3D printing, microfabrication, 3D imaging, quantification, etc.;
  3. Application of bioengineered models for disease modeling and drug screening;
  4. Application of bioengineered models to study organ development and regeneration.

Dr. Chandani Sen
Dr. Kalpana Mandal
Prof. Dr. Amol V. Janorkar
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • organoid
  • organ-chip
  • biomaterials
  • microphysiological systems
  • 3D printing
  • disease modeling
  • organ regeneration
 

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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18 pages, 2788 KiB  
Article
The Synergic Effect of Tubal Endometriosis and Women’s Aging on Fallopian Tube Function: Insights from a 3D Mechanical Model
by Mayssam Nassir, Mattan Levi and Natan T. Shaked
Bioengineering 2024, 11(8), 852; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering11080852 - 20 Aug 2024
Viewed by 1181
Abstract
The fallopian tubes are essential for human fertility, facilitating the movement of sperm and oocytes to the fertilization site and transporting fertilized oocytes to the uterus. Infertility can result from changes in the fallopian tubes due to tubal endometriosis and women’s aging. In [...] Read more.
The fallopian tubes are essential for human fertility, facilitating the movement of sperm and oocytes to the fertilization site and transporting fertilized oocytes to the uterus. Infertility can result from changes in the fallopian tubes due to tubal endometriosis and women’s aging. In this study, we modeled human fallopian tubes with and without endometriosis for different women’s age groups to evaluate the chances of normal sperm cells reaching the fertilization site and oocytes arriving at the uterine cavity. For this purpose, we employed a distinctive combination of simulation tools to develop a dynamic three-dimensional (3D) model of normal human sperm cells and oocytes swimming inside normal and endometriosis-affected human fallopian tubes for different women’s group ages. We observed that in tubal endometriosis cases, fewer sperm cells reach the fertilization site and more oocytes become trapped in the tube walls compared to normal tubes. Additionally, aging decreases the number of sperm cells and oocytes reaching the fertilization site in normal and endometriosis-affected tubes. Our model evaluates the mechanisms of sperm and oocyte behaviors due to women’s aging and fallopian tube issues caused by endometriosis, presenting new avenues for developing diagnostic and treatment tools for tubal endometriosis and age-related infertility issues. Full article
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10 pages, 2203 KiB  
Communication
Application of Adipose Stem Cells in 3D Nerve Guidance Conduit Prevents Muscle Atrophy and Improves Distal Muscle Compliance in a Peripheral Nerve Regeneration Model
by Cristian Trâmbițaș, Bogdan Andrei Cordoș, Dorin Constantin Dorobanțu, Cristian Vintilă, Alexandru Petru Ion, Timea Pap, David Camelia, Claudiu Puiac, Emil Marian Arbănași, Claudiu Constantin Ciucanu, Adrian Vasile Mureșan, Eliza Mihaela Arbănași and Eliza Russu
Bioengineering 2024, 11(2), 184; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering11020184 - 15 Feb 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1481
Abstract
Background: Peripheral nerve injuries (PNIs) represent a significant clinical problem, and standard approaches to nerve repair have limitations. Recent breakthroughs in 3D printing and stem cell technologies offer a promising solution for nerve regeneration. The main purpose of this study was to examine [...] Read more.
Background: Peripheral nerve injuries (PNIs) represent a significant clinical problem, and standard approaches to nerve repair have limitations. Recent breakthroughs in 3D printing and stem cell technologies offer a promising solution for nerve regeneration. The main purpose of this study was to examine the biomechanical characteristics in muscle tissue distal to a nerve defect in a murine model of peripheral nerve regeneration from physiological stress to failure. Methods: In this experimental study, we enrolled 18 Wistar rats in which we created a 10 mm sciatic nerve defect. Furthermore, we divided them into three groups as follows: in Group 1, we used 3D nerve guidance conduits (NGCs) and adipose stem cells (ASCs) in seven rats; in Group 2, we used only 3D NGCs for seven rats; and in Group 3, we created only the defect in four rats. We monitored the degree of atrophy at 4, 8, and 12 weeks by measuring the diameter of the tibialis anterior (TA) muscle. At the end of 12 weeks, we took the TA muscle and analyzed it uniaxially at 10% stretch until failure. Results: In the group of animals with 3D NGCs and ASCs, we recorded the lowest degree of atrophy at 4 weeks, 8 weeks, and 12 weeks after nerve reconstruction. At 10% stretch, the control group had the highest Cauchy stress values compared to the 3D NGC group (0.164 MPa vs. 0.141 MPa, p = 0.007) and the 3D NGC + ASC group (0.164 MPa vs. 0.123 MPa, p = 0.007). In addition, we found that the control group (1.763 MPa) had the highest TA muscle stiffness, followed by the 3D NGC group (1.412 MPa), with the best muscle elasticity showing in the group in which we used 3D NGC + ASC (1.147 MPa). At failure, TA muscle samples from the 3D NGC + ASC group demonstrated better compliance and a higher degree of elasticity compared to the other two groups (p = 0.002 and p = 0.008). Conclusions: Our study demonstrates that the combination of 3D NGC and ASC increases the process of nerve regeneration and significantly improves the compliance and mechanical characteristics of muscle tissue distal to the injury site in a PNI murine model. Full article
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17 pages, 4872 KiB  
Article
Organotypic 3D Co-Culture of Human Pleura as a Novel In Vitro Model of Staphylococcus aureus Infection and Biofilm Development
by Olga Kurow, Rima Nuwayhid, Peggy Stock, Matthias Steinert, Stefan Langer, Sebastian Krämer and Isabella B. Metelmann
Bioengineering 2023, 10(5), 537; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering10050537 - 27 Apr 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1747
Abstract
Bacterial pleural infections are associated with high mortality. Treatment is complicated due to biofilm formation. A common causative pathogen is Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). Since it is distinctly human-specific, rodent models do not provide adequate conditions for research. The purpose of [...] Read more.
Bacterial pleural infections are associated with high mortality. Treatment is complicated due to biofilm formation. A common causative pathogen is Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). Since it is distinctly human-specific, rodent models do not provide adequate conditions for research. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of S. aureus infection on human pleural mesothelial cells using a recently established 3D organotypic co-culture model of pleura derived from human specimens. After infection of our model with S. aureus, samples were harvested at defined time points. Histological analysis and immunostaining for tight junction proteins (c-Jun, VE-cadherin, and ZO-1) were performed, demonstrating changes comparable to in vivo empyema. The measurement of secreted cytokine levels (TNF-α, MCP-1, and IL-1β) proved host–pathogen interactions in our model. Similarly, mesothelial cells produced VEGF on in vivo levels. These findings were contrasted by vital, unimpaired cells in a sterile control model. We were able to establish a 3D organotypic in vitro co-culture model of human pleura infected with S. aureus resulting in the formation of biofilm, including host–pathogen interactions. This novel model could be a useful microenvironment tool for in vitro studies on biofilm in pleural empyema. Full article
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12 pages, 2419 KiB  
Article
The Selective α1 Antagonist Tamsulosin Alters ECM Distributions and Cellular Metabolic Functions of ARPE 19 Cells in a Concentration-Dependent Manner
by Yosuke Ida, Tatsuya Sato, Megumi Watanabe, Araya Umetsu, Yuri Tsugeno, Masato Furuhashi, Fumihito Hikage and Hiroshi Ohguro
Bioengineering 2022, 9(10), 556; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering9100556 - 14 Oct 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1920
Abstract
The purpose of the present study was to examine the effect of the selective α1 antagonist tamsulosin (TAM) on human retinal pigment epithelium cells, ARPE 19. Two-dimension (2D) and three-dimension (3D) cultured ARPE 19 cells were used in the following characterizations: (1) ultrastructure [...] Read more.
The purpose of the present study was to examine the effect of the selective α1 antagonist tamsulosin (TAM) on human retinal pigment epithelium cells, ARPE 19. Two-dimension (2D) and three-dimension (3D) cultured ARPE 19 cells were used in the following characterizations: (1) ultrastructure by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) (2D); (2) barrier functions by transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) measurements, and FITC-dextran permeability (2D); (3) real time cellular metabolisms by Seahorse Bioanalyzer (2D); (4) physical properties, size and stiffness measurements (3D); and (5) expression of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, including collagen1 (COL1), COL4, COL6 and fibronectin (FN) by qPCR and immunohistochemistry (2D and 3D). TAM induced significant effects including: (1) alteration of the localization of the ECM deposits; (2) increase and decrease of the TEER values and FITC-dextran permeability, respectively; (3) energy shift from glycolysis into mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS); (4) large and stiffened 3D spheroids; and (5) down-regulations of the mRNA expressions and immune labeling of most ECM proteins in a concentration-dependent manner. However, in some ECM proteins, COL1 and COL6, their immunolabeling intensities were increased at the lowest concentration (1 μM) of TAM. Such a discrepancy between the gene expressions and immunolabeling of ECM proteins may support alterations of ECM localizations as observed by SEM. The findings reported herein indicate that the selective α1 antagonist, TAM, significantly influenced ECM production and distribution as well as cellular metabolism levels in a concentration-dependent manner. Full article
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Review

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16 pages, 881 KiB  
Review
Experimental Models for Rare Melanoma Research—The Niche That Needs to Be Addressed
by Ioana Ionita, Daniel Malita, Cristina Dehelean, Emilian Olteanu, Iasmina Marcovici, Andreea Geamantan, Sorin Chiriac, Andrea Roman and Daniela Radu
Bioengineering 2023, 10(6), 673; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering10060673 - 1 Jun 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2096
Abstract
Melanoma, the tumor arising from the malignant transformation of pigment-producing cells—the melanocytes—represents one of the most severe cancer types. Despite their rarity compared to cutaneous melanoma, the extracutaneous subtypes such as uveal melanoma (UM), acral lentiginous melanoma (ALM), and mucosal melanoma (MM) stand [...] Read more.
Melanoma, the tumor arising from the malignant transformation of pigment-producing cells—the melanocytes—represents one of the most severe cancer types. Despite their rarity compared to cutaneous melanoma, the extracutaneous subtypes such as uveal melanoma (UM), acral lentiginous melanoma (ALM), and mucosal melanoma (MM) stand out due to their increased aggressiveness and mortality rate, demanding continuous research to elucidate their specific pathological features and develop efficient therapies. Driven by the emerging progresses made in the preclinical modeling of melanoma, the current paper covers the most relevant in vitro, in vivo, and in ovo systems, providing a deeper understanding of these rare melanoma subtypes. However, the preclinical models for UM, ALM, and MM that were developed so far remain scarce, and none of them is able to completely simulate the complexity that is characteristic to these melanomas; thus, a continuous expansion of the existing library of experimental models is pivotal for driving advancements in this research field. An overview of the applicability of precision medicine in the management of rare melanoma subtypes is also provided. Full article
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