This work was supported partially from startup funds from University of Nebraska Medical Center and National Institute of Health (grant number 1R15 AR063901-01).

1. Preparation of the Solution
<ol>
	<li>Prepare a solution of Poly (&#949;-caprolactone) (PCL) (Mw= 80,000 g/mol) at an approximate concentration of 100 mg/ml. Dissolve PCL in a mixture of dichloromethane (DCM) and N, N-dimethlyformamide (DMF) at a ratio of 4:1 (v/v) with a concentration of 10% (w/v).</li>
	<li>Place the solution in a 20 ml glass tube for mixing. Place glass tube into ultrasonic cleaner for 30 minutes, or until solution is translucent.</li>
</ol>
2. Apparatus Preparation
<ol>
	<li>Add the prepared PCL solution into a 5 ml syringe with a 21 gauge blunt needle attached.</li>
	<li>Place syringe pump in a vertical electrospinning position, according to Figure 1.</li>
	<li>Use a stainless steel-gap collector with an open space of 2 cm x 5 cm for the aligned fiber substrate. Place the collector 12 cm from the needle tip.</li>
	<li>Connect the Direct Current (DC) High Voltage power supply to the needle and ground the collector. Ensure that the collector is individually grounded with no contact to the other lab equipment.</li>
</ol>
3. Electrospinning
<ol>
	<li>Set syringe pump to 1.50 ml/hr, until the droplets forming at the needle tip are immediately replaced when removed. Then, set the flow rate to 0.50 ml/hr.</li>
	<li>Turn the voltage operator to 12 kV.</li>
	<li>Electrospin until the uniaxially aligned fibers completely cover the gap on the collector.</li>
	<li>Apply glue to the edges of a small glass plate and transfer the fibers from the gap collector to the glass plate. Place the glass plate on the top of a piece of aluminum foil that has the same size as the glass plate and is grounded.</li>
	<li>Position the second syringe collector according to Figure 3.</li>
	<li>Attach the plastic mask to the second syringe pump and position it 2 mm above the collector.</li>
	<li>Add Coumarin 6 at 1% (w/w) to the PCL solution&#8212;if nanoencapsulation is desired&#8212; and mix until the solution is translucent.</li>
	<li>Load the PCL or PCL/Coumarin 6 solution into a 5 ml needle with a blunt 21 gauge needle. Set vertical pump to 0.50 ml/hr and horizontal to pull at 9 ml/hr or at an approximate speed of 1 mm/min.</li>
	<li>Electrospin until the mask has moved almost completely off the collector, but with the edge area still under the mask.</li>
</ol>
4. Fiber Characterization
<ol>
	<li>Place samples with double-sided conductive tape to the metallic stud and coat with platinum for 40 sec using a sputter coater at 40 mA.
	<ol>
		<li>Examine fibers through scanning electron microscope (SEM) according to our previous studies17,18.</li>
		<li>Collect images at an accelerating voltage of 15 kV.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>Perform fast Fourier transform (FFT) analysis on a separate fiber sample to measure fiber alignment. The detailed information on measuring fiber alignment by FFT can refer to previous studies19,20.</li>
</ol>
5. Seeding Stem Cells.
<ol>
	<li>Sterilize the fiber samples by soaking in a 70% ethanol solution for 2 hr. Then wash the fibers with distilled water to remove any contaminants.</li>
	<li>Obtain human ADSCs and culture cells in a 25 cm2 flask at 37 &#176;C in an atmosphere of 95% air/5% CO2. Change the cell culture medium every other day10.</li>
	<li>Trypsinize the cells and count the number of cells. Specifically, remove all culture medium from the cell culture flask and wash the cells with phosphate buffered saline (PBS) twice. Then add 1 ml of a 0.25% trypsin-EDTA solution (pre-warm in water bath to 37 &#176;C) to cover the cell monolayer and incubate the flask in the cell culture incubator for 2-3 minutes. Add 4 ml culture medium and wash out all the cells from the surface by pipetting the medium all over the surface. Centrifuge the cell suspension and re-disperse the cell pellet in the culture medium. Count cells via hemacytometer. Seed around 1 &#215; 104 cells to the nanofiber scaffold placed in a 35 mm -culture dish and incubate for 3 and 7 days.</li>
	<li>Stain cells using fluorescein diacetate (5 mg/ml in acetone) (FDA) then image the samples using a fluorescent microscope. Specifically, add 100 &#956;l of FDA solution to the culture dish and incubate for 30 min. Wash cells with PBS three times before fluorescent imaging. Analyze cell orientation by a customized mat-lab program based on our previous studies10.</li>
</ol>

<ol>
	<li>Xie, J., Li, X., Xia, Y. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Putting+electrospun+nanofibers+to+work+for+biomedical+research.">Putting electrospun nanofibers to work for biomedical research.</a> Macromol. Rapid Commun. 29 (22), 1775-1792 (2008).</li><li>Genin, G. M., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Functional+grading+of+mineral+and+collagen+in+the+attachment+of+tendon+to+bone.">Functional grading of mineral and collagen in the attachment of tendon to bone.</a> Biophys. J. 97 (4), 976-985 (2009).</li><li>Thomopoulos, S., Marquez, J. P., Weinberger, B., Birman, V., Genin, G. M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Collagen+fiber+orientation+at+the+tendon+to+bone+insertion+and+its+influence+on+stress+concentrations.">Collagen fiber orientation at the tendon to bone insertion and its influence on stress concentrations.</a> J. Biomech. 39 (10), 1842-1851 (2006).</li><li>Thomopoulos, S., Williams, G. R., Gimbel, J. A., Favata, M., Soslowsky, L. J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Variation+of+biomechanical,+structural,+and+compositional+properties+along+the+tendon+to+bone+insertion+site.">Variation of biomechanical, structural, and compositional properties along the tendon to bone insertion site.</a> J. Orthop. Res. 21 (3), 413-419 (2003).</li><li>Thomopoulos, S., Genin, G. M., Galatz, L. M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+development+and+morphogenesis+of+the+tendon-to-bone+insertion+-+What+development+can+teach+us+about+healing.">The development and morphogenesis of the tendon-to-bone insertion - What development can teach us about healing.</a> Musculoskelet Neuronal Interact. 10 (1), 35-45 (2010).</li><li>Li, X., Xie, J., Lipner, J., Yuan, X., Thomopoulos, S., Xia, Y. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Nanofiber+scaffolds+with+gradations+in+mineral+content+for+mimicking+the+tendon-to-bone+insertion+site.">Nanofiber scaffolds with gradations in mineral content for mimicking the tendon-to-bone insertion site.</a> Nano Lett. 9 (7), 2763-2768 (2009).</li><li>Kunzler, T. P., Huwiler, C., Drobek, T., V&#246;r&#246;s, J., Spencer, N. D. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Systematic+study+of+osteoblast+response+to+nanotopography+by+means+of+nanoparticle-density+gradients.">Systematic study of osteoblast response to nanotopography by means of nanoparticle-density gradients.</a> Biomaterials. 28 (33), 5000-5006 (2007).</li><li>Huwiler, C., Kunzler, T. P., Textor, M., V&#246;r&#246;s, J., Spencer, N. D. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Functionalizable+nanomorphology+gradients+via+colloidal+self-assembly.">Functionalizable nanomorphology gradients via colloidal self-assembly.</a> Langmuir. 23 (11), 5929-5935 (2007).</li><li>Xie, J., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term='Aligned-to-random'+nanofiber+scaffolds+for+mimicking+the+structure+of+the+tendon-to-bone+insertion+site.">'Aligned-to-random' nanofiber scaffolds for mimicking the structure of the tendon-to-bone insertion site.</a> Nanoscale. 2 (6), 923-926 (2010).</li><li>Xie, J., Ma, B., Michael, P. L., Shuler, F. D. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Fabrication+of+nanofiber+scaffolds+with+gradations+in+fiber+organization+and+their+potential+applications.">Fabrication of nanofiber scaffolds with gradations in fiber organization and their potential applications.</a> Macromol. Biosci. 12 (10), 1336-1341 (2012).</li><li>James, R., Kumbar, S. G., Laurencin, C. T., Balian, G., Chhabra, A. B. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Tendon+tissue+engineering:+adipose-derived+stem+cell+and+GDF-5+mediated+regeneration+using+electrospun+matrix+systems.">Tendon tissue engineering: adipose-derived stem cell and GDF-5 mediated regeneration using electrospun matrix systems.</a> Biomed. Mater. 6 (2), 025011 (2011).</li><li>Bodle, J. C., Hanson, A. D., Loboa, E. G. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Adipose-derived+stem+cells+in+functional+bone+tissue+engineering:+lessons+from+bone+mechanobiology.">Adipose-derived stem cells in functional bone tissue engineering: lessons from bone mechanobiology.</a> Tissue Eng. Part B Rev. 17 (3), 195-211 (2011).</li><li>Lee, J. H., Rhie, J. W., Oh, D. Y., Ahn, S. T. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Osteogenic+differentiation+of+human+adipose+tissue-derived+stromal+cells+(hASCs)+in+a+porous+three-dimensional+scaffold.">Osteogenic differentiation of human adipose tissue-derived stromal cells (hASCs) in a porous three-dimensional scaffold.</a> Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 370 (3), 456-460 (2008).</li><li>Tapp, H., Hanley, E. N., Patt, J. C., Gruber, H. E. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Adipose-derived+stem+cells:+characterization+and+current+application+in+orthopaedic+tissue+repair.">Adipose-derived stem cells: characterization and current application in orthopaedic tissue repair.</a> Exp. Biol. Med. 234 (1), 1-9 (2009).</li><li>Gimble, J. M., Guilak, F. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Adipose-derived+adult+stem+cells:+isolation,+characterization,+and+differentiation+potential.">Adipose-derived adult stem cells: isolation, characterization, and differentiation potential.</a> Cytotherapy. 5 (5), 362-369 (2003).</li><li>Zuk, P. A., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Multilineage+cells+from+human+adipose+tissue:+implications+for+cell-based+therapies.">Multilineage cells from human adipose tissue: implications for cell-based therapies.</a> Tissue Eng. 7 (2), 211-228 (2001).</li><li>Xie, J., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+differentiation+of+embryonic+stem+cells+seeded+on+electrospun+nanofibers+into+neural+lineages.">The differentiation of embryonic stem cells seeded on electrospun nanofibers into neural lineages.</a> Biomaterials. 30 (3), 354-362 (2009).</li><li>Xie, J., MacEwan, M. R., Li, X., Sakiyama-Elbert, S. E., Xia, Y. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Neurite+outgrowth+on+nanofiber+scaffolds+with+different+orders,+structures,+and+surface+properties.">Neurite outgrowth on nanofiber scaffolds with different orders, structures, and surface properties.</a> ACS Nano. 3 (5), 1151-1159 (2009).</li><li>Ayres, C., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Modulation+of+anisotropy+in+electrospun+tissue+engineering+scaffolds:+analysis+of+fiber+alignment+by+the+fast+Fourier+transform.">Modulation of anisotropy in electrospun tissue engineering scaffolds: analysis of fiber alignment by the fast Fourier transform.</a> Biomaterials. 27 (32), 5524-5534 (2006).</li><li>Ayres, C., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Measuring+fiber+alignment+in+electrospun+scaffolds:+a+user&#8217;s+guide+to+the+2D+fast+Fourier+transform+approach.">Measuring fiber alignment in electrospun scaffolds: a user&#8217;s guide to the 2D fast Fourier transform approach.</a> J. Biomater. Sci. Poly. Ed. 19 (5), 603-621 (2008).</li></ol>

The authors have nothing to disclose.

The most critical part of the protocol is generation of the gradient scaffold. It is imperative that the mask covering the collector moves at a constant velocity so there is a gradual change within the fiber scaffold. The correct preparation of PCL solution is also important to ensure electrospinning success. Checking the fiber morphology prior to electrospinning is recommendable, especially after the encapsulation of Coumarin-6, which may require a higher voltage to electrospin correctly. 
Fu...

Nanofibers are a popular utility for tissue engineering because of their ability to mimic the extracellular matrix in its structure and relative size1. However, some native tissue interfaces, such as the tendon-to-bone insertion site, contain collagen fibers, which exhibit a variable organizational structure that increases in alignment towards the tendon and decreases at the bone site2-5. So, for effective tissue regeneration there is a need to fabricate a scaffold that could effectively mimic this structural gradient.
Previously, there has been research conducted on gradual changes in fiber composition, specifically, mineral content6. However, recreating the structural component of connective tissues remains largely unexplored. An earlier study examined morphological gradients by studying the effect of surface silica particle density on the proliferation of rat calvarial osteoblasts and found an inverse relationship between silica particle density and cell proliferation7. But the morphological changes that mediated cell proliferation in previous work were mostly related to surface roughness lacking the capability in mimicking fiber organizational changes7,8. One recent study attempted to fabricate a scaffold that mimicked the unique collagen fiber orientations by using a novel collector for electrospinning9. While this study succeeded in producing a scaffold with both aligned and random fibers, it failed to mimic the gradual changes exhibited in the native tissues. Also, in producing separate components, with an immediate change from aligned to random orientation, the biomechanical properties of this scaffold decreased significantly. No previous work has been able to produce applicable nanofiber scaffolds with continuous gradations in fiber orientations from aligned and random. Our recent study has shown successful recreation of nanofiber scaffolds with gradations in fiber organization that can potentially mimic the native collagen organization at tendon-to-bone insertion10. This work aims to present the protocols used for the production of nanofiber scaffolds with a structure that closely resembles that of fiber organization in the native tendon-to-bone tissue interface.
Gradient nanofiber structures have potentially far-reaching applications across a variety of fields. We focused on the applications to tissue engineering of the tendon-to-bone insertion site by combining our scaffolds with adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) which are already utilized for tissue regeneration on various substrates11-14. In addition, ADSCs are very similar in nature to bone marrow stem cells in terms of multipotency and their resource is abundant which can be harvested using a simple liposuction procedure15,16. Seeding these cells to gradated nanofiber scaffolds further enhances their tissue engineering applications by allowing for the controlled distribution of the cells that can potentially differentiate into various tissues. In addition to seeding stem cells, nanofibers can be encapsulated with signaling molecules for regulation of cellular response. Coupling nanoencapsulation with the organizational gradient of these scaffolds allows for the study of cellular behavior or possible implant designs and coatings. Encapsulation of functional molecules like bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2), which has been shown to induce osteoblast differentiation15,16, could further enhance the tissue engineering applications of these scaffolds10.

<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>Polycaprolactone</td>
			<td>Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td>440744</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>N,N-Dimethlyformamide</td>
			<td>Fisher Chemical</td>
			<td>D-119-1</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Dichloromethane</td>
			<td>Fisher Chemical</td>
			<td>AC61093-1000</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Coumarin 6</td>
			<td>Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td>546283</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Adipose Derived Stem Cells</td>
			<td>Cellular engineering Technologies</td>
			<td>HMSC.AD-100</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Fetal Bovine Serum</td>
			<td>Life Technologies</td>
			<td>26140-111</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Fluorescein Diacetate</td>
			<td>Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td>F7378</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Ethanol</td>
			<td>Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td>E7023</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Trypsin-EDTA</td>
			<td>Invitrogen</td>
			<td>25300-054</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&#945;-Modified Eagle&#39;s Medium</td>
			<td>Invitrogen</td>
			<td>a10490-01</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Acetone</td>
			<td>Fisher Scientific</td>
			<td>s25120a</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Phosphate Buffered Saline</td>
			<td>Invitrogen</td>
			<td>10010023</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Glass Slides</td>
			<td>VWR international, LLC</td>
			<td>101412-842</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Syringe Pump</td>
			<td>Fisher Scientific</td>
			<td>14-831-200</td>
			<td>Single syringe</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Ultrasonic Cleaner</td>
			<td>Branson</td>
			<td>1510</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>High Voltage DC Power Supply</td>
			<td>Gamma High Voltage Research</td>
			<td>ES30</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Scanning Electron Microscope</td>
			<td>FEI</td>
			<td>Nova 2300</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Fluorescence Microscope</td>
			<td>Zeiss</td>
			<td>Axio Imager 2</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

electrospun nanofiber scaffolds with gradations in fiber organization

The goal of this protocol is to report a simple method for generating nanofiber scaffolds with gradations in fiber organization and test their possible applications in controlling cell morphology/orientation. Nanofiber organization is controlled with a new fabrication apparatus that enables the gradual decrease of fiber organization in a scaffold. Changing the alignment of fibers is achieved through decreasing deposition time of random electrospun fibers on a uniaxially aligned fiber mat. By covering the collector with a moving barrier/mask, along the same axis as fiber deposition, the organizational structure is easily controlled. For tissue engineering purposes, adipose-derived stem cells can be seeded to these scaffolds. Stem cells undergo morphological changes as a result of their position on the varied organizational structure, and can potentially differentiate into different cell types depending on their locations. Additionally, the graded organization of fibers enhances the biomimicry of nanofiber scaffolds so they more closely resemble the natural orientations of collagen nanofibers at tendon-to-bone insertion site compared to traditional scaffolds. Through nanoencapsulation, the gradated fibers also afford the possibility to construct chemical gradients in fiber scaffolds, and thereby further strengthen their potential applications in fast screening of cell-materials interaction and interfacial tissue regeneration. This technique enables the production of continuous gradient scaffolds, but it also can potentially produce fibers in discrete steps by controlling the movement of the moving barrier/mask in a discrete fashion.

Using this protocol, a fiber mat with an organizational gradient was formed. Figure 3 shows the SEM images taken at various locations on the nanofiber scaffold. Qualitatively, it can be determined that there is a progression from the uniaxially aligned fibers at 0 mm (Figure 3A) to a random fiber assortment at 6 mm (Figure 3D). The FFT gives a quantitative value to the fiber alignment, specifics on the quantitative processes are detailed here19. Fibers at 0 mm...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Electrospun Nanofiber Scaffolds with Gradations in Fiber Organization at JoVE.com

Electrospun Nanofiber Scaffolds with Gradations in Fiber Organization

Here, we present a protocol to fabricate electrospun nanofiber scaffolds with gradated organization of fibers and explore their applications in regulating cell morphology/orientation. Gradients with regard to physical and chemical properties of the nanofiber scaffolds offer a wide variety of applications in the biomedical field.

The goal of this protocol is to report a simple method for generating nanofiber scaffolds with gradations in fiber organization and test their possible ...

electrospun-nanofiber-scaffolds-with-gradations-in-fiber-organization

Research

JoVE Journal

Bioengineering

9.8K Views.  University of Nebraska Medical Center. Here, we present a protocol to fabricate electrospun nanofiber scaffolds with gradated organization of fibers and explore their applications in regulating cell morphology/orientation. Gradients with regard to physical and chemical properties of the nanofiber scaffolds offer a wide variety of applications in the biomedical field.

Video: Electrospun Nanofiber Scaffolds with Gradations in Fiber Organization

High-resolution Fiber-optic Microendoscopy for in situ Cellular Imaging

Many biological and clinical studies require the longitudinal study and analysis of morphology and function with cellular level resolution. Traditionally, multiple experiments are run in parallel, with individual samples removed from the study at sequential time points for evaluation by light microscopy. Several intravital techniques have been developed, with confocal, multiphoton, and second harmonic microscopy all demonstrating their ability to be used for imaging in situ 1. With these systems, however, the required infrastructure is complex and expensive, involving scanning laser systems and complex light sources. Here we present a protocol for the design and assembly of a high-resolution microendoscope which can be built in a day using off-the-shelf components for under US$5,000. The platform offers flexibility in terms of image resolution, field-of-view, and operating wavelength, and we describe how these parameters can be easily modified to meet the specific needs of the end user.
We and others have explored the use of the high-resolution microendoscope (HRME) in in vitro cell culture 2-5, in excised 6 and living animal tissues 2,5, and in human tissues in vivo 2,7. Users have reported the use of several different fluorescent contrast agents, including proflavine 2-4, benzoporphyrin-derivative monoacid ring A (BPD-MA) 5, and fluoroscein 6,7, all of which have received full, or investigational approval from the FDA for use in human subjects. High-resolution microendoscopy, in the form described here, may appeal to a wide range of researchers working in the basic and clinical sciences. The technique offers an effective and economical approach which complements traditional benchtop microscopy, by enabling the user to perform high-resolution, longitudinal imaging in situ.

High-resolution Fiber-optic Microendoscopy for in situ Cellular Imaging

In many biological and clinical situations it is advantageous to study cellular processes as they evolve in their native microenvironment. Here we describe the assembly and use of a low-cost fiber-optic microscope which can provide real time imaging in cell culture, animal studies, and clinical patient studies.

Many biological and clinical studies require the longitudinal study and analysis of morphology and function with cellular level resolution.  ...

Elastomeric PGS Scaffolds in Arterial Tissue Engineering

Cardiovascular disease is one of the leading cause of mortality in the US and especially, coronary artery disease increases with an aging population and increasing obesity1. Currently, bypass surgery using autologous vessels, allografts, and synthetic grafts are known as a commonly used for arterial substitutes2. However, these grafts have limited applications when an inner diameter of arteries is less than 6 mm due to low availability, thrombotic complications, compliance mismatch, and late intimal hyperplasia3,4. To overcome these limitations, tissue engineering has been successfully applied as a promising alternative to develop small-diameter arterial constructs that are nonthrombogenic, robust, and compliant. Several previous studies have developed small-diameter arterial constructs with tri-lamellar structure, excellent mechanical properties and burst pressure comparable to native arteries5,6. While high tensile strength and burst pressure by increasing collagen production from a rigid material or cell sheet scaffold, these constructs still had low elastin production and compliance, which is a major problem to cause graft failure after implantation. Considering these issues, we hypothesized that an elastometric biomaterial combined with mechanical conditioning would provide elasticity and conduct mechanical signals more efficiently to vascular cells, which increase extracellular matrix production and support cellular orientation.
The objective of this report is to introduce a fabrication technique of porous tubular scaffolds and a dynamic mechanical conditioning for applying them to arterial tissue engineering. We used a biodegradable elastomer, poly (glycerol sebacate) (PGS)7 for fabricating porous tubular scaffolds from the salt fusion method. Adult primary baboon smooth muscle cells (SMCs) were seeded on the lumen of scaffolds, which cultured in our designed pulsatile flow bioreactor for 3 weeks. PGS scaffolds had consistent thickness and randomly distributed macro- and micro-pores. Mechanical conditioning from pulsatile flow bioreactor supported SMC orientation and enhanced ECM production in scaffolds. These results suggest that elastomeric scaffolds and mechanical conditioning of bioreactor culture may be a promising method for arterial tissue engineering.

Elastomeric PGS scaffolds with vascular smooth muscle cells cultured in a pulsatile flow bioreactor may lead to promising small-diameter arterial constructs with native ECM production in a relatively short culture period.

Cardiovascular disease is one of the leading cause of mortality in the US and especially, coronary artery disease increases with an aging population and ...

Postproduction Processing of Electrospun Fibres for Tissue Engineering

Electrospinning is a commonly used and versatile method to produce scaffolds (often biodegradable) for 3D tissue engineering.1, 2, 3 Many tissues in vivo undergo biaxial distension to varying extents such as skin, bladder, pelvic floor and even the hard palate as children grow. In producing scaffolds for these purposes there is a need to develop scaffolds of appropriate biomechanical properties (whether achieved without or with cells) and which are sterile for clinical use. The focus of this paper is not how to establish basic electrospinning parameters (as there is extensive literature on electrospinning) but on how to modify spun scaffolds post production to make them fit for tissue engineering purposes - here thickness, mechanical properties and sterilisation (required for clinical use) are considered and we also describe how cells can be cultured on scaffolds and subjected to biaxial strain to condition them for specific applications.
Electrospinning tends to produce thin sheets; as the electrospinning collector becomes coated with insulating fibres it becomes a poor conductor such that fibres no longer deposit on it. Hence we describe approaches to produce thicker structures by heat or vapour annealing increasing the strength of scaffolds but not necessarily the elasticity. Sequential spinning of scaffolds of different polymers to achieve complex scaffolds is also described. Sterilisation methodologies can adversely affect strength and elasticity of scaffolds. We compare three methods for their effects on the biomechanical properties on electrospun scaffolds of poly lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA).
Imaging of cells on scaffolds and assessment of production of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins by cells on scaffolds is described. Culturing cells on scaffolds in vitro can improve scaffold strength and elasticity but the tissue engineering literature shows that cells often fail to produce appropriate ECM when cultured under static conditions. There are few commercial systems available that allow one to culture cells on scaffolds under dynamic conditioning regimes - one example is the Bose Electroforce 3100 which can be used to exert a conditioning programme on cells in scaffolds held using mechanical grips within a media filled chamber.4 An approach to a budget cell culture bioreactor for controlled distortion in 2 dimensions is described. We show that cells can be induced to produce elastin under these conditions. Finally assessment of the biomechanical properties of processed scaffolds cultured with or without cells is described.

Electrospun scaffolds can be processed post production for tissue engineering applications. Here we describe methods for spinning complex scaffolds (by consecutive spinning), for making thicker scaffolds (by multi-layering using heat or vapour annealing), for achieving sterility (aseptic production or sterilisation post production) and for achieving appropriate biomechanical properties.

Electrospinning is a commonly used and versatile method to produce  scaffolds (often biodegradable) for 3D tissue engineering.1, 2, 3 Many tissues in vivo ...

Electrospun Fibrous Scaffolds of Poly(glycerol-dodecanedioate) for Engineering Neural Tissues From Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells

For tissue engineering applications, the preparation of biodegradable and biocompatible scaffolds is the most desirable but challenging task. &#160;Among the various fabrication methods, electrospinning is the most attractive one due to its simplicity and versatility. Additionally, electrospun nanofibers mimic the size of natural extracellular matrix ensuring additional support for cell survival and growth. This study showed the viability of the fabrication of long fibers spanning a larger deposit area for a novel biodegradable and biocompatible polymer named&#160;poly(glycerol-dodecanoate) (PGD)1 by using a newly designed collector for electrospinning. PGD exhibits unique elastic properties with similar mechanical properties to nerve tissues, thus it is suitable for neural tissue engineering applications. The synthesis and fabrication set-up for making fibrous scaffolding materials was simple, highly reproducible, and inexpensive. In biocompatibility testing, cells derived from mouse embryonic stem cells could adhere to and grow on the electrospun PGD fibers. In summary, this protocol provided a versatile fabrication method for making PGD electrospun fibers to support the growth of mouse embryonic stem cell derived neural lineage cells.

Electrospun Fibrous Scaffolds of Polyglycerol-dodecanedioate for Engineering Neural Tissues From Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells

Synthesis and fabrication of electrospun long fibers spanning a larger deposit area via a newly designed collector from a novel biodegradable polymer named poly(glycerol-dodecanoate) (PGD) was reported. The fibers were able to support the growth of cells derived from mouse pluripotent stem cells.

For tissue engineering applications, the preparation of biodegradable and biocompatible scaffolds is the most desirable but challenging task. &#160;Among ...

Epithelial Cell Repopulation and Preparation of Rodent Extracellular Matrix Scaffolds for Renal Tissue Development

This protocol details the generation of acellular, yet biofunctional, renal extracellular matrix (ECM) scaffolds that are useful as small-scale model substrates for organ-scale tissue development. Sprague Dawley rat kidneys are cannulated by inserting a catheter into the renal artery and perfused with a series of low-concentration detergents (Triton X-100 and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)) over 26 hr to derive intact, whole-kidney scaffolds with intact perfusable vasculature, glomeruli, and renal tubules. Following decellularization, the renal scaffold is placed inside a custom-designed perfusion bioreactor vessel, and the catheterized renal artery is connected to a perfusion circuit consisting of: a peristaltic pump; tubing; and optional probes for pH, dissolved oxygen, and pressure. After sterilizing the scaffold with peracetic acid and ethanol, and balancing the pH (7.4), the kidney scaffold is prepared for seeding via perfusion of culture medium within a large-capacity incubator maintained at 37 &#176;C and 5% CO2. Forty million renal cortical tubular epithelial (RCTE) cells are injected through the renal artery, and rapidly perfused through the scaffold under high flow (25 ml/min) and pressure (~230 mmHg) for 15 min before reducing the flow to a physiological rate (4 ml/min). RCTE cells primarily populate the tubular ECM niche within the renal cortex, proliferate, and form tubular epithelial structures over seven days of perfusion culture. A 44 &#181;M resazurin solution in culture medium is perfused through the kidney for 1 hr during medium exchanges to provide a fluorometric, redox-based metabolic assessment of cell viability and proliferation during tubulogenesis. The kidney perfusion bioreactor permits non-invasive sampling of medium for biochemical assessment, and multiple inlet ports allow alternative retrograde seeding through the renal vein or ureter. These protocols can be used to recellularize kidney scaffolds with a variety of cell types, including vascular endothelial, tubular epithelial, and stromal fibroblasts, for rapid evaluation within this system.

This protocol describes decellularization of Sprague Dawley rat kidneys by antegrade perfusion of detergents through the vasculature, producing acellular renal extracellular matrices that serve as templates for repopulation with human renal epithelial cells. Recellularization and use of the resazurin perfusion assay to monitor growth is performed within specially-designed perfusion bioreactors.

This protocol details the generation of acellular, yet biofunctional, renal extracellular matrix (ECM) scaffolds that are useful as small-scale model ...

Synthesis of Keratin-based Nanofiber for Biomedical Engineering

Electrospinning, due to its versatility and potential for applications in various fields, is being frequently used to fabricate nanofibers. Production of these porous nanofibers is of great interest due to their unique physiochemical properties. Here we elaborate on the fabrication of keratin containing poly (&#949;-caprolactone) (PCL) nanofibers (i.e., PCL/keratin composite fiber). Water soluble keratin was first extracted from human hair and mixed with PCL in different ratios. The blended solution of PCL/keratin was transformed into nanofibrous membranes using a laboratory designed electrospinning set up. Fiber morphology and mechanical properties of the obtained nanofiber were observed and measured using scanning electron microscopy and tensile tester. Furthermore, degradability and chemical properties of the nanofiber were studied by FTIR. SEM images showed uniform surface morphology for PCL/keratin fibers of different compositions. These PCL/keratin fibers also showed excellent mechanical properties such as Young&#39;s modulus and failure point. Fibroblast cells were able to attach and proliferate thus proving good cell viability. Based on the characteristics discussed above, we can strongly argue that the blended nanofibers of natural and synthetic polymers can represent an excellent development of composite materials that can be used for different biomedical applications.

Electrospun nanofibers have a high surface area to weight ratio, excellent mechanical integrity, and support cell growth and proliferation. These nanofibers have a wide range of biomedical applications. Here we fabricate keratin/ PCL nanofibers, using the electrospinning technique, and characterize the fibers for possible applications in tissue engineering.

Electrospinning, due to its versatility and potential for applications in various fields, is being frequently used to fabricate nanofibers. Production of ...

A Facile and Eco-friendly Route to Fabricate Poly(Lactic Acid) Scaffolds with Graded Pore Size

Over the recent years, functionally graded scaffolds (FGS) gaineda crucial role for manufacturing of devices for tissue engineering. The importance of this new field of biomaterials research is due to the necessity to develop implants capable of mimicking the complex functionality of the various tissues, including a continuous change from one structure or composition to another. In this latter context, one topic of main interest concerns the design of appropriate scaffolds for bone-cartilage interface tissue. In this study, three-layered scaffolds with graded pore size were achieved by melt mixing poly(lactic acid) (PLA), sodium chloride (NaCl) and polyethylene glycol (PEG). Pore size distributions were controlled by NaCl granulometry and PEG solvation. Scaffolds were characterized from a morphological and mechanical point of view. A correlation between the preparation method, the pore architecture and compressive mechanical behavior was found. The interface adhesion strength was quantitatively evaluated by using a custom-designed interfacial strength test. Furthermore, in order to imitate the human physiology, mechanical tests were also performed in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) solution at 37 &#176;C. The method herein presented provides a high control of porosity, pore size distribution and mechanical performance, thus offering the possibility to fabricate three-layered scaffolds with tailored properties by following a simple and eco-friendly route.

A Facile and Eco-friendly Route to Fabricate PolyLactic Acid Scaffolds with Graded Pore Size

In this work, poly(lactic acid)/polyethylene glycol (PLA/PEG) scaffolds were prepared by using a combination of melt mixing and selective leaching. The method herein discussed permitted to develop three-layer scaffolds by highly controlling both porosity and pore size. The mechanical properties were also evaluated in a physiological environment.

Over the recent years, functionally graded scaffolds (FGS) gaineda crucial role for manufacturing of devices for tissue engineering. The importance of ...

Melt Electrospinning Writing of Three-dimensional Poly(&#949;-caprolactone) Scaffolds with Controllable Morphologies for Tissue Engineering Applications

This tutorial reflects on the fundamental principles and guidelines for electrospinning writing with polymer melts, an additive manufacturing technology with great potential for biomedical applications. The technique facilitates the direct deposition of biocompatible polymer fibers to fabricate well-ordered scaffolds in the sub-micron to micro scale range. The establishment of a stable, viscoelastic, polymer jet between a spinneret and a collector is achieved using an applied voltage and can be direct-written. A significant benefit of a typical porous scaffold is a high surface-to-volume ratio which provides increased effective adhesion sites for cell attachment and growth. Controlling the printing process by fine-tuning the system parameters enables high reproducibility in the quality of the printed scaffolds. It also provides a flexible manufacturing platform for users to tailor the morphological structures of the scaffolds to their specific requirements. For this purpose, we present a protocol to obtain different fiber diameters using melt electrospinning writing (MEW) with a guided amendment of the parameters, including flow rate, voltage and collection speed. Furthermore, we demonstrate how to optimize the jet, discuss often experienced technical challenges, explain troubleshooting techniques and showcase a wide range of printable scaffold architectures.

This protocol serves as a comprehensive guideline to fabricate scaffolds via electrospinning with polymer melts in a direct writing mode. We systematically outline the process and define the appropriate parameter settings for achieving targeted scaffold architectures.

This tutorial reflects on the fundamental principles and guidelines for electrospinning writing with polymer melts, an additive manufacturing technology ...

Fabrication and Characterization of Griffithsin-modified Fiber Scaffolds for Prevention of Sexually Transmitted Infections

Electrospun fibers (EFs) have been widely used in a variety of therapeutic applications; however, they have only recently been applied as a technology to prevent and treat sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Moreover, many EF technologies focus on encapsulating the active agent, relative to utilizing the surface to impart biofunctionality. Here we describe a method to fabricate and surface-modify poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA) electrospun fibers, with the potent antiviral lectin Griffithsin (GRFT). PLGA is an FDA-approved polymer that has been widely used in drug delivery due to its outstanding chemical and biocompatible properties. GRFT is a natural, potent, and safe lectin that possesses broad activity against numerous viruses including human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). When combined, GRFT-modified fibers have demonstrated potent inactivation of HIV-1 in vitro. This manuscript describes the methods to fabricate and characterize GRFT-modified EFs. First, PLGA is electrospun to create a fiber scaffold. Fibers are subsequently surface-modified with GRFT using 1-Ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide (EDC) and N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS)chemistry. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to assess the size and morphology of surface-modified formulations. Additionally, a gp120 or hemagglutinin (HA)-based ELISA may be used to quantify the amount of GRFT conjugated to, as well as GRFT desorption from the fiber surface. This protocol can be more widely applied to fabricate fibers that are surface-modified with a variety of different proteins.

This manuscript describes the procedure to fabricate and characterize Griffithsin-modified poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) electrospun fibers that demonstrate potent adhesive and antiviral activity against human immunodeficiency virus type 1 infection in vitro. Methods used to synthesize, surface-modify, and characterize the resulting morphology, conjugation, and desorption of Griffithsin from surface-modified fibers are described.

Electrospun fibers (EFs) have been widely used in a variety of therapeutic applications; however, they have only recently been applied as a technology to ...

Culturing Mammalian Cells in Three-dimensional Peptide Scaffolds

A useful technique for culturing cells in a self-assembling nanofiber three-dimensional (3D) scaffold is described. This culture system recreates an environment that closely mimics the structural features of non-polarized tissue. Furthermore, the particular intrinsic nanofiber structure of the scaffold makes it transparent to visual light, which allows for easy visualization of the sample under microscopy. This advantage was largely used to study cell migration, organization, proliferation, and differentiation and thus any development of their particular cellular function by staining with specific dyes or probes. Furthermore, in this work, we describe the good performance of this system to easily study the redifferentiation of expanded human articular chondrocytes into cartilaginous tissue. Cells were encapsulated into self-assembling peptide scaffolds and cultured under specific conditions to promote chondrogenesis. Three-dimensional cultures showed good viability during the 4 weeks of the experiment. As expected, samples cultured with chondrogenic inducers (compared to non-induced controls) stained strongly positive for toluidine blue (which stains glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) that are highly present in cartilage extracellular matrix) and expressed specific molecular markers, including collagen type I, II and X, according to Western Blot analysis. This protocol is easy to perform and can be used at research laboratories, industries and for educational purposes in laboratory courses.

Here, we present a protocol to obtain 3D-culture systems in self-assembling peptide scaffolds to promote the differentiation of dedifferentiated human articular chondrocytes into cartilage-like tissue.

A useful technique for culturing cells in a self-assembling nanofiber three-dimensional (3D) scaffold is described. This culture system recreates an ...