microfluidic-co-culture-renal-healthy-tumor-epithelium-to-model

Microfluidic Co-culture of Renal Healthy and Tumor Epithelium to Model Kidney Cancer Progression

Microphysiological systems (MPS) have enabled the introduction of more complex and relevant physiological elements into in vitro models, recreating ...

University Medicine Greifswald

Bone generally displays a high intrinsic capacity to regenerate. Nonetheless, large osseous defects sometimes fail to heal. The treatment of such large segmental defects still represents a considerable clinical challenge. The regeneration of large bone defects often proves difficult, since it relies on the formation of large amounts of bone within an environment impedimental to osteogenesis, characterized by soft tissue damage and hampered vascularization. Consequently, research efforts have concentrated on tissue engineering and regenerative medical strategies to resolve this multifaceted challenge. In this review, we summarize, critically evaluate, and discuss present approaches in light of their clinical relevance; we also present future advanced techniques for bone tissue engineering, outlining the steps to realize for their translation from bench to bedside. The discussion includes the physiology of bone healing, requirements and properties of natural and synthetic biomaterials for bone reconstruction, their use in conjunction with cellular components and suitable growth factors, and strategies to improve vascularization and the translation of these regenerative concepts to in vivo applications. We conclude that the ideal all-purpose material for scaffold-guided bone regeneration is currently not available. It seems that a variety of different solutions will be employed, according to the clinical treatment necessary.

Scaffold Guided Bone Regeneration for the Treatment of Large Segmental Defects in Long Bones.

The success of hip arthroplasty is based on modern materials in addition to the continuous development of surgical techniques and clinical experience gained over six decades. The biocompatible implant materials used in hip arthroplasty can be textured or coated with biomimetic surfaces to ensure durable component ingrowth and moderate host response. Material integrity plays a critical role in the durability of the stable interface between implant components and periprosthetic tissues. Inflammation at the interfaces due to the release of degradation products from the implant materials is one of the causes of hip arthroplasty failure. This review summarizes the implant materials currently used in hip arthroplasty, their preclinical testing and the postoperative neogenesis of periprosthetic tissues, and the interactions of periprosthetic bone and the implant materials at the periprosthetic interfaces.

Noninfectious tissue interactions at periprosthetic interfaces.

Cold physical plasma (CPP) technology is of high promise for various medical applications. The interplay of specific components of physical plasma with living cells, tissues and organs on a structural and functional level is of paramount interest with the aim to induce therapeutic effects in a controlled and replicable fashion. In contrast to other medical disciplines such as dermatology and oromaxillofacial surgery, research reports on CPP application in orthopaedics are scarce. The present implementation of CPP in orthopaedics involves surface modifications of orthopaedic materials and biomaterials to optimize osseointegration. In addition, the influence of CPP on musculoskeletal cells and tissues is a focus of research, including possible adverse reactions and side effects. Its bactericidal aspects make CPP an attractive supplement to current treatment regimens in case of microbial inflammations such as periprosthetic joint infections. Attributed anticancerogenic and pro-apoptotic effects underline the clinical relevance of CPP as an additive in treating malignant bone lesions. The present review outlines ongoing research in orthopaedics involving CPP; it distinguishes considerations for safe application and the need for more evidence-based research to facilitate robust clinical implementation.

Orthopaedic applications of cold physical plasma.

Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (BM-MSCs) are used in regenerative medicine and related research involving immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, anti-fibrotic and regenerative functions. Isolation of BM-MSCs from samples obtained during total hip arthroplasty (THA) is routinely possible. Advanced age and comorbidities of the majority of patients undergoing THA limit their applicability. Our study aimed to evaluate the potential of bone marrow obtained during periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) as a novel source of BM-MSCs from young donors by analyzing cell yield and cell characteristics.

Bone marrow from periacetabular osteotomies as a novel source for human mesenchymal stromal cells.

In musculoskeletal surgery, the treatment of large bone defects is challenging and can require the use of bone graft substitutes to restore mechanical stability and promote host-mediated regeneration. The use of bone allografts is well-established in many bone regenerative procedures, but is associated with low rates of ingrowth due to pre-therapeutic graft processing. Cold physical plasma (CPP), a partially ionized gas that simultaneously generates reactive oxygen (O) and nitrogen (N) species, is suggested to be advantageous in biomedical implant processing. CPP is a promising tool in allograft processing for improving surface characteristics of bone allografts towards enhanced cellularization and osteoconduction. However, a preclinical assessment regarding the feasibility of pre-therapeutic processing of allogeneic bone grafts with CPP has not yet been performed. Thus, this pilot study aimed to analyze the bone morphology of CPP processed allografts using synchrotron radiation-based microcomputed tomography (SR-µCT) and to analyze the effects of CPP processing on human bone cell viability and function. The analyzes, including co-registration of pre- and post-treatment SR-µCT scans, revealed that the main bone morphological properties (total volume, mineralized volume, surface area, and porosity) remained unaffected by CPP treatment if compared to allografts not treated with CPP. Varying effects on cellular metabolic activity and alkaline phosphatase activity were found in response to different gas mixtures and treatment durations employed for CPP application. It was found that 3 min CPP treatment using a He + 0.1% N gas mixture led to the most favourable outcome regarding a significant increase in bone cell viability and alkaline phosphatase activity. This study highlights the promising potential of pre-therapeuthic bone allograft processing by CPP prior to intraoperative application and emphasizes the need for gas source and treatment time optimization for specific applications.

Cold physical plasma treatment optimization for improved bone allograft processing.

The gadolinium-based contrast agent DOTA-Gd is clinically used in combination with local anesthetics for direct magnetic resonance arthrography. It remains unclear whether gadolinium uptake into cartilage is influenced by co-administration of bupivacaine or ropivacaine and whether DOTA-Gd alters their chondrotoxicity. Gadolinium quantification of chondrogenic spheroids revealed enhanced gadolinium uptake after simultaneous exposure to local anesthetics. Analyses of the spatial gadolinium distribution using synchrotron X-ray-fluorescence scanning indicates gadolinium exposed chondrocytes. In vitro exposure to DOTA-Gd does not alter viability and proliferation of human chondrocytes and the chondrotoxic potential of the anesthetics. Reduced viability induced by ropivacaine was found to be reversible, while exposure to bupivacaine leads to irreversible cell death. Our data suggest that ropivacaine is more tolerable than bupivacaine and that DOTA-Gd exposure does not alter the cytotoxicity of both anesthetics. Enhanced gadolinium uptake into cartilage due to co-administration of anesthetics should find attention.

Impact of gadolinium-based MRI contrast agent and local anesthetics co-administration on chondrogenic gadolinium uptake and cytotoxicity.

Chondrosarcoma (CS) is a rare malignant bone sarcoma that primarily affects cartilage cells in the femur and pelvis. While most subtypes exhibit slow growth with a very good prognosis, some aggressive subtypes have a poorer overall survival. CS is known for its resistance to chemotherapy and radiotherapy, leaving surgery as the sole effective therapeutic option. Cold physical plasma (CPP) has been explored in vitro as a potential therapy, demonstrating positive anti-tumor effects on CS cells. This study investigated the synergistic effects of combining CPP with cytostatics on CS cells. The chemotherapeutic agents cisplatin, doxorubicin, and vincristine were applied to two CS cell lines (CAL-78 and SW1353). After determining their IC and IC, they were combined with CPP in both cell lines to assess their impact on the cell proliferation, viability, metabolism, and apoptosis. This combined approach significantly reduced the cell proliferation and viability while increasing the apoptosis signals compared to cytostatic therapy alone. The combination of CPP and chemotherapeutic drugs shows promise in targeting chemoresistant CS cells, potentially improving the prognosis for patients in clinical settings.

Combined Application of Cold Physical Plasma and Chemotherapeutics against Chondrosarcoma Cells.

Endoprostheses might fail due to complications such as implant loosening or periprosthetic infections. The surface topography of implant materials is known to influence osseointegration and attachment of pathogenic bacteria. Laser-Induced Periodic Surface Structures (LIPSS) can improve the surface topography of orthopedic implant materials. In this preclinical  study, laser pulses with a wavelength in the ultraviolet (UV) spectrum were applied for the generation of LIPSS to positively influence formation of extracellular matrix by primary human Osteoblasts (hOBs) and to reduce microbial biofilm formation .

Frank Schulze

Center for Orthopaedics,
Trauma Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine,
Center for Orthopaedics, Trauma Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine

University Medicine Greifswald

Microfluidic Co-culture of Renal Healthy and Tumor Epithelium to Model Kidney Cancer Progression

Frank Schulze

.css-o250i3{font-size:18px;font-family:Open Sans,sans-serif;line-height:21.6px;}Center for Orthopaedics,Trauma Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine,Center for Orthopaedics, Trauma Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine

University Medicine Greifswald

Microfluidic Co-culture of Renal Healthy and Tumor Epithelium to Model Kidney Cancer Progression

Center for Orthopaedics,
Trauma Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine,
Center for Orthopaedics, Trauma Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine