This work is supported by NIH grants 7R01AR072027 and 7R03AR069383, NSF Career Award 1905785, NSF 2025362, and the University of Connecticut. This work is also supported in part by NIH grant S10OD016435.

1. Synthesis of JBNts
<ol>
	<li>Prepare the JBNt monomer utilizing previously published methods, involving the synthesis of a variety of compounds12.</li>
	<li>Purify crude JBNt monomer after it has been synthesized with high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) using a reverse-phase column. Use solvent A: 100% water, solvent B: 100% acetonitrile, and solvent C: HCl water solution with pH = 1. Use a flow rate of 3 mL/min. Collect the largest peak obtained in the HPLC at 7.2 min.</li>
</ol>
2. Fabrication for JBNt/Matn1/TGF-&#946;1 (Video 1)
NOTE: Video 1 shows that the JBNm is an injectable solid formed in a physiological environment (water solution, no UV light, no chemical additives, and no heating), which is also biologically inspired.
<ol>
	<li>Add 8 &#181;L of 1 mg/mL TGF-&#946;1 suspended in H2O to 32 &#181;L of 1 mg/mL matrilin-3 suspended in H2O. Pipette to ensure proper mixing of these proteins.</li>
	<li>Add 80 &#181;L of 1 mg/mL JBNts suspended in H2O to the TGF-&#946;1/matrilin-3 solution. Pipette repeatedly to ensure proper blending. The presence of white floccules can be observed immediately after the addition of JBNts, indicating the formation of the JBNm (Video 1).</li>
</ol>
3. Observation of specimens with ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) absorption
NOTE: The UV-Vis absorption spectra were studied to characterize the assembly of the JBNm. This measurement was analyzed for four categories: JBNts alone, matrilin-3 alone, TGF-&#946;1 alone, and the full layer-by-layer JBNm, comprised of all three parts. All initial concentrations are suspended in H2O.
<ol>
	<li>For the JBNt group, add 5 &#181;L of 1 mg/mL JBNts to 50 &#181;L of H2O to make a 90.9 &#181;g/mL&#160;solution.</li>
	<li>For the matrilin-3 group, add 40 &#181;L of 10 &#181;g/mL matrilin-3 to 15 &#181;L of H2O to make a 7.3 &#181;g/mL solution.</li>
	<li>For the TGF-&#946;1 group, add 10 &#181;L of 10 &#181;g/mL&#160;TGF-&#946;1 to 45 &#181;L of H2O to make a 1.8 &#181;g/mL solution.</li>
	<li>For the JBNm group, add 40 &#181;L of 10 &#181;g/mL matrilin-3 to 10 &#181;L of 10 &#181;g/mL&#160;TGF-&#946;1. Agitate to ensure proper mixing, and then add 5 &#181;L of 1 mg/mL JBNts to the solution, pipetting repeatedly to mix the sample.</li>
	<li>Using a spectrophotometer, measure the absorption spectrum of each group.</li>
</ol>
4. Zeta-potential measurement of specimens
NOTE: The zeta-potential was analyzed to better predict how the JBNm would interact with in vivo tissue. Three groups were measured: matrilin-3 alone, matrilin-3 with TGF-&#946;1, and the full layer-by-layer JBNm.
<ol>
	<li>For the matrilin-3 group, add 160 &#181;L of 10 mg/mL matrilin-3 to 640 &#181;L of H2O to make an 800 &#181;L solution.</li>
	<li>For the matrilin-3/TGF-&#946;1 compound, add 160 &#181;L of 10 &#181;g/mL matrilin-3 to 40 &#181;L of 10 &#181;g/mL TGF-&#946;1. Pipette repeatedly to ensure proper homogeneity. Then, add it to 600 &#181;L of H2O resulting in an 800 &#181;L solution.</li>
	<li>For the JBNm group, add 160 &#181;L of 10 &#181;g/mL&#160;matrilin-3 to 40 &#181;L of 10 &#181;g/mL TGF-&#946;1. Pipette multiple times to mix the proteins. Then, add 20 &#181;L of 1 mg/mL JBNts to the solution and pipette to ensure homogeneity. Finally, add the JBNm solution to 580 &#181;L of H2O to produce an 800 &#181;L solution.</li>
	<li>Measure the zeta-potential values for the three groups.</li>
</ol>
5. Preparation of JBNt/matrilin-3 nano-matrix for transmission electron microscopy (TEM)
NOTE: TEM characterization is performed to characterize the morphology of JBNts and JBNm.
<ol>
	<li>Insert two grids into a plasma cleaner to properly clean the grids before the negative staining of the JBNts and JBNm according to the published protocols and manufacturer&#39;s protocols12.</li>
	<li>Create a 200 &#181;g/mL JBNt solution by mixing 10 &#181;L of 1 mg/mL JBNts with 40 &#181;L of distilled water.</li>
	<li>Mix 30 &#181;L of 100 &#181;g/mL matrilin-3 with 20 &#181;L of 100 &#181;g/mL TGF-&#946;1 and pipette several times. Add 10 &#181;L of 1 mg/mL JBNts to the matrilin-3/TGF-&#946;1 mixture to prepare the JBNm sample. Again, pipette repeatedly.</li>
	<li>Add 3 &#181;L of the JBNt solution (200 &#181;g/mL) and 3 &#181;L of the JBNm solution on separate grids, and leave them for 2 min.</li>
	<li>Rinse each grid with 100 &#181;L of uranyl acetate solution (0.5%). Use filter papers to remove the excess solution and allow the grids to air dry.</li>
	<li>Operate a transmission electron microscope to properly observe and characterize the samples, as published previously11,12.</li>
</ol>
6. Absorption spectra measurement of fluorescent-labeled proteins
NOTE: The structure of JBNm is verified by observing the structures of the JBNm with absorption spectral analysis.
<ol>
	<li>Label the TGF-&#946;1 by using a protein labeling kit following the manufacturer&#39;s instructions. Add 20 &#181;L of 20 &#181;g/mL labeled TGF-&#946;1 to 25 &#181;L of H2O to make an 8.9 &#181;g/mL test solution.</li>
	<li>Label the matrilin-3 by using a separate labeling kit. Add 20 &#181;L of 80 &#181;g/mL labeled matrilin-3 to 25 &#181;L of H2O to make a 36 &#181;g/mL test solution. 
	NOTE: The fluorescent dye labeling of the TGF-&#946;1 resulted in a final concentration of 20 &#181;g/mL, while the labeling of the matrilin-3 resulted in a final concentration of 80 &#181;g/mL.</li>
	<li>Mix 20 &#181;L of 80 &#181;g/mL labeled matrilin-3 with 20 &#181;L of 20 &#181;g/mL labeled TGF-&#946;1 and 5 &#181;L of H2O, resulting in a labeled TGF-&#946;1/matrilin-3 compound. Pipette the mixture several times to mix.</li>
	<li>Add 5 &#181;L of 1 mg/mL JBNts to 40 &#181;L of H2O, resulting in a 111 &#181;g/mL solution.</li>
	<li>Add 20 &#181;L of 20 &#181;g/mL labeled TGF-&#946;1 to 20 &#181;L of 80 &#181;g/mL labeled matrilin-3 and pipette several times. Add 5 &#181;L of 1 mg/mL JBNts to the labeled TGF-&#946;1/ matrilin-3 solution, and pipette repeatedly to properly mix the compound. 
	NOTE: The final concentrations of the JBNt, labeled TGF-&#946;1, and labeled matrilin-3 samples were 111 &#181;g/mL, 8.9 &#181;g/mL, and 36 &#181;g/mL, respectively.</li>
	<li>Transfer each sample group (i.e., labeled TGF-&#946;1 (step 6.1), labeled matrilin-3 (step 6.2), labeled TGF-&#946;1/matrilin-3 (step 6.3), JBNts (step 6.4), JBNm (step 6.5)) to their own well of a black 384-well plate.</li>
	<li>Load the black 384-well plate into a multi-mode microplate reader and take measurements at excitation wavelengths of 488 nm and 555 nm following the manufacturer&#39;s protocol.</li>
</ol>
7. In vitro biological function assay
<ol>
	<li>Cell adhesion test on pre-coated coverglass chambers
	<ol>
		<li>Prepare two chambered coverglasses with five groups of samples, as one coverglass is used for each cell type.</li>
		<li>Add 1.25 &#181;L of 1 mg/mL&#160;JBNts to 198.75 &#181;L of distilled water, resulting in a 6.25 &#181;g/mL solution.</li>
		<li>Add 10 &#181;L of 10 &#181;g/mL&#160;matrilin-3 to 190 &#181;L of distilled water, resulting in a 0.5 &#181;g/mLsolution.</li>
		<li>Add 2.5 &#181;L of 10 &#181;g/mL&#160;TGF-&#946;1 to 197.5 &#181;g/mLof distilled water, resulting in a 0.125 &#181;g/mLsolution.</li>
		<li>For the JBNm group, add 10 &#181;L of 10 &#181;g/mL&#160;matrilin-3 to 2.5 &#181;L of 10 &#181;g/mLTGF-&#946;1 and pipette repeatedly. Add 1.25 &#181;L of JBNts with a concentration of 1 mg/mLto the mixture solution and pipette. Finally, add 186.25 &#181;L of distilled water to result in a 200 &#181;L JBNm solution.
		<ol>
			<li>For the control group, use 200 &#181;L of distilled water.</li>
		</ol>
		</li>
		<li>Add each sample group into their own well of a No. 1.5 chambered coverglass. Place the coverglass into a -80 &#176;C freezer for 1 h, and then freeze-dry it with a lyophilizer instrument.</li>
		<li>Seed human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) and human chondrocyte cells (10,000 cells per well) into each well of the prepared chambered coverglasses.</li>
		<li>Incubate the two coverglasses for 4 h in a 37 &#176;C incubator. Then, aspirate the cell culture medium and rinse twice with PBS.</li>
		<li>Fix cells with 4% paraformaldehyde for 5 min, and then remove and rinse samples with PBS. Rinse the sample a second time to completely remove the 4% paraformaldehyde.</li>
		<li>Incubate cells with 100 &#181;L of 0.1% Triton-X for 10 min and wash with PBS. Add 100 &#181;L of 0.165 &#181;M rhodamine-phalloidin to each well. Wait for 30 min and then wash with PBS again.</li>
		<li>Add 0.1 &#181;g/mL&#160;DAPI to each well to stain the nuclei. Wait for 5 min and rinse the wells with PBS twice.</li>
		<li>Use a spectral confocal microscope to observe cell morphology and capture fluorescent images.</li>
		<li>Further, analyze the cell number and morphology using image processing software. Open the software and load the images. Add a scale bar and calibrate the software. Count the number of cells in a given area for each sample. Then, use the measuring tool to collect data on cell morphology for each sample.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>Cell proliferation
	<ol>
		<li>Prepare three untreated 96-well plates, adding five groups of samples to each.
		<ol>
			<li>For the JBNt group, add 3.75 &#181;L of 1 mg/mL JBNts to 596.25 &#181;L of distilled water, resulting in a 600 &#181;L JBNt solution with a concentration of 6.25 &#181;g/mL.</li>
			<li>For the TGF-&#946;1 group, add 7.5 &#181;L of 10 &#181;g/mL TGF-&#946;1 to 592.5 &#181;L of distilled water, resulting in a 0.125 &#181;g/mL test solution.</li>
			<li>For the matrilin-3 group, add 30 &#181;L of 10 &#181;g/mL matrilin-3 to 570 &#181;L of distilled water, resulting in a 0.5 &#181;g/mL test solution.</li>
			<li>For the JBNm group, mix 7.5 &#181;L of 10 &#181;g/mL TGF-&#946;1 with 30 &#181;L of 10 &#181;g/mL matrilin-3 and pipette several times, followed by adding 3.75 &#181;L of 1 mg/mL JBNts to the solution.</li>
			<li>Dilute JBNm solution with 558.75 &#181;L of distilled water to obtain the final concentrations of 6.25 &#181;g/mL, 0.125 &#181;g/mL, and 0.5 &#181;g/mL, respectively, for JBNt, TGF-&#946;1, and matrilin-3 samples.</li>
			<li>For the control group, use 600 &#181;L of distilled water.</li>
		</ol>
		</li>
		<li>Divide each sample group into six wells (100 &#181;L sample per well).</li>
		<li>Place the three plates containing all samples into a -80 &#176;C freezer for 1 h and then freeze-dry with a lyophilizing instrument.</li>
		<li>Seed hMSCs onto these plates, each receiving a 100 &#181;L cell suspension (per well) containing 5,000 cells. Incubate the three plates at 37 &#176;C for 1 day, 3 days, or 5 days at 5% CO2.</li>
		<li>Add 10 &#181;L of CCK-8 solution to each well with the cells and incubate at 37 &#176;C for another 2 h.</li>
		<li>Measure the absorption values of each well with multi-mode microplate readers at 450 nm.</li>
		<li>Seed a known gradient of hMSCs onto a 96-well plate and incubate for 4 h. Use the CCK-8 assay to measure the absorption values of the known number of cells and generate a standard curve.</li>
		<li>Calculate cell proliferation by using the absorption standard curve.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>Stability test 
	NOTE: A human TGF-&#946;1 targeted ELISA kit was used to determine the percentage release of TGF-&#946;1 from the JBNm in an agarose hydrogel.
	<ol>
		<li>Prepare 2% agarose by adding 400 mg of agarose powder to 20 mL of PBS and heating it up to 100 &#176;C to completely dissolve the agarose powder.</li>
		<li>Prepare the JBNm inside the cooled 2% agarose hydrogel.
		<ol>
			<li>Combine 10 &#181;L of 10 &#181;g/mL TGF-&#946;1, 40 &#181;L of 10 &#181;g/mL matrilin-3, 5 &#181;L of 1 mg/mL JBNts, and 195 &#181;L of PBS. Mix this solution with 250 &#181;L of 2% agarose, creating the JBNm hydrogel.</li>
		</ol>
		</li>
		<li>Add 500 &#181;L of PBS, using it as a release solution, and ensure to change it every 3 days. Keep every released solution, and let the sample sit for 15 days.</li>
		<li>Utilize an ELISA kit to test each of the captured release solutions, by following the manufacturer&#39;s instructions. 
		NOTE: By subtracting the amount of TGF-&#946;1 released in the PBS from the theoretical loading value of 100%, the remaining amount of TGF-&#946;1 can be determined.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>Cell differentiation analysis with PCR26.
	<ol>
		<li>Prepare seven groups of samples with each sample containing 20 &#181;L of cell suspension (4 x 104 cells), 30 &#181;L of the specific solution (or PBS, depending on the sample group), and 50 &#181;L of 2 wt % agarose.
		<ol>
			<li>For the TGF-&#946;1 group, add 5 &#181;L of 10 &#181;g/mL TGF-&#946;1 to 25 &#181;L of PBS, resulting in a 1.6 &#181;g/mL solution.</li>
			<li>For the matrilin-3 group, add 20 &#181;L of 10 &#181;g/mL matrilin-3 to 10 &#181;L of PBS, resulting in a 6.7 &#181;g/mL solution.</li>
			<li>For the JBNt group, add 2.5 &#181;L of 1 mg/mL JBNts to 27.5 &#181;L of PBS, resulting in an 83.3 &#181;g/mL solution.</li>
			<li>For the J/T/M JBNm group, add 10 &#181;L of 10 &#181;g/mL matrilin-3 to 5 &#181;L of 10 &#181;g/mL TGF-&#946;1 and pipette up and down to mix the solution. Then, add 2.5 &#181;L of 1 mg/mL JBNts and pipette again. Finally, dilute with 2.5 &#181;L of PBS.</li>
			<li>For each control group, use 30 &#181;L of PBS as the sample.</li>
		</ol>
		</li>
		<li>Add 0.5 mL of cell culture medium to each well, making sure to replace it every 3 days.
		<ol>
			<li>For the positive control group, use a commercially available hMSC chondrogenic medium containing added TGF-&#946;1. This additional TGF-&#946;1 is equal to the amount in both the TGF-&#946;1 and J/T/M JBNm groups.</li>
			<li>For one of the negative control groups, use a commercial hMSC chondrogenic medium that does not contain TGF-&#946;1. For the other negative control group, use a DMEM cell culture medium containing 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS).</li>
			<li>For every other group, use a commercial hMSC chondrogenic cell culture medium without TGF-&#946;1.</li>
		</ol>
		</li>
		<li>Culture the samples for 15 days.</li>
		<li>Extract the samples&#39; RNA and perform PCR to study the differentiation of the samples as described previously26.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>Immunostaining for type X collagen expression assay
	<ol>
		<li>Prepare seven agarose-based samples in the same way as the cell differentiation with the PCR method section (step 7.4).</li>
		<li>Culture the samples for 15 days.</li>
		<li>Fix the samples with 4% formaldehyde for 1 day, soak in 30% sucrose solution overnight, and then freeze overnight at -80 &#176;C with liquid nitrogen. Fix the samples using the optimal cutting temperature compound reagent (OCT), a blend of water-soluble glycols and resins, at -10 &#176;C.</li>
		<li>Operate a cryostat microtome to obtain 20 &#181;m thick frozen sections of each sample.</li>
		<li>Stain each section with an Anti-Collagen X antibody with 1:800 dilution and a fluorescent labeling secondary antibody diluted with PBS, according to the manufacturer&#39;s protocols.</li>
		<li>Observe each section with a confocal microscope, using an excitation of 488 nm and a magnification of 40x on the eyepiece.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
</ol>

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A., Wojdasiewicz, P., Gasik, R., Szukiewicz, D. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Transforming+growth+factor+Beta+family:+insight+into+the+role+of+growth+factors+in+regulation+of+fracture+healing+biology+and+potential+clinical+applications.">Transforming growth factor Beta family: insight into the role of growth factors in regulation of fracture healing biology and potential clinical applications.</a> Mediators of Inflammation. 2015, 137823 (2015).</li><li>Sun, Y., Lu, Y., Hu, Y., Ma, F., Chen, W. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Induction+of+osteogenesis+by+bovine+platelet+transforming+growth+factor-beta+(TGF-beta)+in+adult+mouse+femur.">Induction of osteogenesis by bovine platelet transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) in adult mouse femur.</a> Chinese Medical Journal (English). 108 (12), 914-918 (1995).</li><li>Sun, X., 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=Anti-miRNA+oligonucleotide+therapy+for+chondrosarcoma).">Anti-miRNA oligonucleotide therapy for chondrosarcoma).</a> Molecular Cancer Therapeutics. 18 (11), 2021-2029 (2019).</li><li>Jayasuriya, C. T., Chen, Y., Liu, W., Chen, Q. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+influence+of+tissue+microenvironment+on+stem+cell-based+cartilage+repair.">The influence of tissue microenvironment on stem cell-based cartilage repair.</a> Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences. 1383 (1), 21-33 (2016).</li><li>Chen, Y., 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=Deficient+mechanical+activation+of+anabolic+transcripts+and+post-traumatic+cartilage+degeneration+in+matrilin-1+knockout+mice.">Deficient mechanical activation of anabolic transcripts and post-traumatic cartilage degeneration in matrilin-1 knockout mice.</a> PLoS One. 11 (6), 0156676 (2016).</li><li>Zhou, L., Zhang, W., Lee, J., Kuhn, L., Chen, Y. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Controlled+self-assembly+of+DNA-mimicking+nanotubes+to+form+a+layer-by-layer+scaffold+for+homeostatic+tissue+constructs.">Controlled self-assembly of DNA-mimicking nanotubes to form a layer-by-layer scaffold for homeostatic tissue constructs.</a> ACS Applied Material Interfaces. 13 (43), 51321-51332 (2021).</li><li>Belluoccio, D., Schenker, T., Baici, A., Trueb, B. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Characterization+of+human+matrilin-3+(MATN3).">Characterization of human matrilin-3 (MATN3).</a> Genomics. 53 (3), 391-394 (1998).</li><li>Yau, A., Yu, H., Chen, Y. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=mRNA+detection+with+fluorescence-base+imaging+techniques+for+arthritis+diagnosis.">mRNA detection with fluorescence-base imaging techniques for arthritis diagnosis.</a> Journal of Rheumatology Research. 1 (2), 39-46 (2019).</li><li>Lee, J., Sands, I., Zhang, W., Zhou, L., Chen, Y. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=DNA-inspired+nanomaterials+for+enhanced+endosomal+escape.">DNA-inspired nanomaterials for enhanced endosomal escape.</a> Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. 118 (19), (2021).</li><li>Zhang, W., Chen, Y. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Molecular+engineering+of+DNA-inspired+Janus+base+nanomaterials.">Molecular engineering of DNA-inspired Janus base nanomaterials.</a> Juniper Online Journal Material Science. 5 (4), 555670 (2019).</li><li>Yau, A., Sands, I., Chen, Y. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Nano-scale+surface+modifications+to+advance+current+treatment+options+for+cervical+degenerative+disc+disease+(CDDD).">Nano-scale surface modifications to advance current treatment options for cervical degenerative disc disease (CDDD).</a> Journal of Orthopedic Research and Therapy. 4 (9), 1147 (2019).</li><li>Mello, M. A., Tuan, R. S. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Effects+of+TGF-beta1+and+triiodothyronine+on+cartilage+maturation:+in+vitro+analysis+using+long-term+high-density+micromass+cultures+of+chick+embryonic+limb+mesenchymal+cells.">Effects of TGF-beta1 and triiodothyronine on cartilage maturation: in vitro analysis using long-term high-density micromass cultures of chick embryonic limb mesenchymal cells.</a> Journal of Orthopaedic Research. 24 (11), 2095-2105 (2006).</li><li>Shi, Y., Massague, J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Mechanisms+of+TGF-beta+signaling+from+cell+membrane+to+the+nucleus.">Mechanisms of TGF-beta signaling from cell membrane to the nucleus.</a> Cell. 113 (6), 685-700 (2003).</li><li>Sands, I., Lee, J., Zhang, W., Chen, Y. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=RNA+delivery+via+DNA-inspired+janus+base+nanotubes+for+extracellular+matrix+penetration.">RNA delivery via DNA-inspired janus base nanotubes for extracellular matrix penetration.</a> MRS Advances. 5 (16), 815-823 (2020).</li><li>Zhou, L., Rubin, L. E., Liu, C., Chen, Y. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Short+interfering+RNA+(siRNA)-based+therapeutics+for+cartilage+diseases.">Short interfering RNA (siRNA)-based therapeutics for cartilage diseases.</a> Regenerative Engineering and Translational Medicine. 7 (3), 283-290 (2020).</li><li>Bi, H., 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=Deposition+of+PEG+onto+PMMA+microchannel+surface+to+minimize+nonspecific+adsorption.">Deposition of PEG onto PMMA microchannel surface to minimize nonspecific adsorption.</a> Lab on a Chip. 6 (6), 769-775 (2006).</li><li>Chen, Y., Webster, T. J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Increased+osteoblast+functions+in+the+presence+of+BMP-7+short+peptides+for+nanostructured+biomaterial+applications.">Increased osteoblast functions in the presence of BMP-7 short peptides for nanostructured biomaterial applications.</a> Journal of Biomedical Materials Research. Part A. 91 (1), 296-304 (2009).</li><li>Sun, M., Lee, J., Chen, Y., Hoshino, K. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Studies+of+nanoparticle+delivery+with+in+vitro+bio-engineered+microtissues.">Studies of nanoparticle delivery with in vitro bio-engineered microtissues.</a> Bioactive Materials. 5 (4), 924-937 (2020).</li><li>Yau, A., Lee, J., Chen, Y. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Nanomaterials+for+protein+delivery+in+anticancer+applications.">Nanomaterials for protein delivery in anticancer applications.</a> Pharmaceutics. 13 (2), 155 (2021).</li></ol>

Dr. Yupeng Chen is a co-founder of Eascra Biotech, Inc. and NanoDe Therapeutics, Inc.

The goal of this study is to develop a biomimetic scaffold platform, the JBNm, to overcome the limitations of conventional tissue constructs that rely on cell culture environments to mediate cell differentiation. The JBNm is a layer-by-layer structure scaffold for a self-sustainable cartilage tissue construct. The innovative design is based on novel DNA-inspired nanomaterials, the JBNts. The JBNm, composed of JBNts30, TGF-&#946;1, and matrilin-3, is assembled through a novel layer-by-layer techniq...

Scaffolds in tissue engineering play a vital role in providing structural support for cell attachment and subsequent tissue development1. Typically, conventional tissue constructs without any scaffolding rely on the cell culture environment and added growth factors to mediate cell differentiation. Furthermore, this addition of bioactive molecules into scaffolds is often the preferred approach in guiding cell differentiation and function2,3. Some scaffolds can mimic the biochemical microenvironment of native tissues independently, while others can directly influence cell functions via growth factors. However, researchers often encounter challenges in selecting scaffolds that could positively affect cell adhesion, growth, and differentiation, while providing optimal structural support and stability over a long period4,5. The bioactive molecules are often loosely bound to the scaffold leading to rapid release of these proteins upon implantation, resulting in their release in undesired locations. This culminates in side effects on tissues or cells that were not intentionally targeted6,7.
Scaffolds are typically made of polymeric materials. The Janus base nano-matrix (JBNm) is a biomimetic scaffold platform created with a novel layer-by-layer method for self-sustainable cartilage tissue construct8. These novel DNA-inspired nanotubes have been named Janus base nanotubes (JBNts), as they properly mimic the structure and surface chemistry of collagen found in the extracellular matrix (ECM). With the addition of bioactive molecules, such as matrilin-3 and Transforming Growth Factor Beta-1 (TGF-&#946;1), the JBNm can create an optimal microenvironment which can then stimulate desired cell and tissue functionality9.
JBNts are novel nanotubes derived from synthetic versions of the nucleobase adenine and thymine. The JBNts are formed through self-assembly10; six synthetic nucleobases bond to form a ring, and these rings undergo &#960;-&#960; stacking interactions to create a nanotube 200-300 &#181;m in length11. These nanotubes are structurally similar to collagen proteins; by mimicking an aspect of the native cartilage microenvironment, JBNts have been shown to provide a favorable attachment site for chondrocytes and human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs)11,12,13,14. Because the nanotubes undergo self-assembly and do not require any sort of initiator (such as UV-light), they show exciting potential as an injectable scaffold for hard-to-reach defect areas15.
Matrilin-3 is a structural extracellular matrix protein found in cartilage. This protein plays a significant role in chondrogenesis and proper cartilage function16,17. Recently, it has been included in biomaterial scaffolds, encouraging chondrogenesis without hypertrophy9,18,19. By including this protein in the JBNm, cartilage cells are attracted to a scaffold that contains similar components to that of its native microenvironment. Additionally, it has been shown that matrilin-3 is needed for proper TGF-&#946;1 signaling within chondrocytes20. Growth factors function as signaling molecules, causing specific growth of a certain cell or tissue. Thus, to achieve optimal cartilage regeneration, matrilin-3 and TGF-&#946;1 are essential components within the JBNm. The addition of TGF-&#946;1 into the layer-by-layer scaffold can further promote cartilage regeneration in a tissue construct. TGF-&#946;1 is a growth factor employed to encourage the healing process of osteochondral defects, encouraging chondrocyte and hMSC proliferation and differentiation21,22. Thus, TGF-&#946;1 plays a key role in the cartilage regeneration JBNm (J/T/M JBNm)23, encouraging proper growth especially when it is localized within the JBNm layers.
As mentioned previously, growth factors are typically assembled on the outside of scaffolds with no specific methods of incorporation. Here, with the precisely designed nano-architecture of the biomaterials, the JBNm was developed for specific targeting of intended cells and tissues. The JBNm is composed of TGF-&#946;1 adhered on JBNt surfaces in the inner layer and matrilin-3 adhered on JBNt surfaces in the outer layer24,25. The incorporation of TGF-&#946;1 in the inner layer of the layer-by-layer structure allows for a highly localized microenvironment along the JBNm fibers, creating a homeostatic tissue construct with a much slower release of the protein12. The injectability of the JBNm makes it an ideal cartilage tissue construct for various future biomaterial applications26.

<table border="1" fo:keep-together.within-page="1" fo:keep-with-next.within-page="always">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>10 % Normal Goat Serum</td>
			<td>Thermo Fisher</td>
			<td>50062Z</td>
			<td>Agent used to block nonspecific antibody binding actions during staining.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>24-well plate</td>
			<td>Corning</td>
			<td>07-200-740</td>
			<td>24-well plate used for comparative cell culture.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>384-Well Black Untreated Plate</td>
			<td>Thermo Fisher</td>
			<td>262260</td>
			<td>384-well plate used for absorption measurements.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>8-well chambered coverglass</td>
			<td>Thermo Fisher</td>
			<td>155409PK</td>
			<td>8-well coverglass used for comparative cell culture.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>96-well flat bottom</td>
			<td>Corning</td>
			<td>07-200-91</td>
			<td>96-well plate used for comparative cell culture.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>96-Well Plate non- treated</td>
			<td>Thermo Fisher</td>
			<td>260895</td>
			<td>96-well plate used for comparative cell culture and analysis.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Agarose Gel</td>
			<td>Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td>A9539</td>
			<td>Hydrogel used for cell culture.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Agarose Gel</td>
			<td>Sigma Aldrich</td>
			<td>A9539</td>
			<td>Hydrogel used as an environment for cell culture.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Alexa Fluor Microscale Protein Labeling Kit</td>
			<td>Thermo Fisher</td>
			<td>A30006 (488) and A30007 (555)</td>
			<td>Fluorescent dye used to label proteins.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Anti-Collagen X Antibody</td>
			<td>Thermo Fisher</td>
			<td>41-9771-82</td>
			<td>Antibody used to stain collagen-X.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Bio-Rad PCR Machine</td>
			<td>Bio-Rad</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Equipment used to perform PCR on samples.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>C28/I2 Chondrocyte Cell Line</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Cells used to analyze proliferative abilities of various samples.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Cell Counting Kit 8</td>
			<td>Milipore Sigma</td>
			<td>96992</td>
			<td>Cell proliferation assay.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Cell Profiler</td>
			<td>Broad Institute</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Software used to analyze cell images.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Cryostat Microtome</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Equipment used to produce thin segments of samples for use in staining and microscopy.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>DAPI</td>
			<td>Invitrogen</td>
			<td>D1306</td>
			<td>Blue fluorescent stain that binds to adenine-thymine DNA regions.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Disposable cuvettes</td>
			<td>FISHER Scientific</td>
			<td>14-955-128</td>
			<td>Container used for spectrophotometry.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>DMEM Cell Culture Medium</td>
			<td>Thermo Fisher</td>
			<td>10566032</td>
			<td>Media used to support cellular growth.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Fetal Bovine Serum</td>
			<td>GIBCO</td>
			<td>A4766801</td>
			<td>Serum used in cell culture medium to support cell growth.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Fluoromount-G Mounting Medium</td>
			<td>Thermo Fisher</td>
			<td>00-4958-02</td>
			<td>Solution used to mount slides for immunostaining.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Formaldehyde</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Compound used to fix samples prior to microtoming.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Goat anti-Rabbit IgG (H+L) Highly Cross-Adsorbed Secondary Antibody</td>
			<td>Thermo Fisher</td>
			<td>A16110</td>
			<td>Antibody used for protein staining.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells</td>
			<td>LONZA</td>
			<td>PT-2501</td>
			<td>Cells used to analyze differentiative abilities of various samples.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Human Mesenchymal Stem Chondrogenic Medium</td>
			<td>LONZA</td>
			<td>PT-3003</td>
			<td>Cell medium used to promote chondrogenic differentiation.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>ImageJ</td>
			<td>National Institutes of Health</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Image analysis software used in conjunction with microscopy.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>itaq Universal SYBR Green One-Step Kit</td>
			<td>BioRad</td>
			<td>1725150</td>
			<td>Kit used for PCR.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Janus-base nanotubes (JBNts)</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Nanotube made from synthetic nucleobases to act as cell scaffolding tool.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>LaB6 20-120 kV Transmission Electronic Microscope</td>
			<td>Tecnai</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Equipment used to perform transmission electron microscopy on a sample.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>MATLAB</td>
			<td>MathWorks</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Statistical software used for modeling and data analysis.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Matrilin-3</td>
			<td>Fisher Scientific</td>
			<td>3017MN050</td>
			<td>Structural protein used as adhesion sites for chondrocytes.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>NanoDrop Spectrophotometer</td>
			<td>Thermo Fisher</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Equipment used to measure absorption values of a sample.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Nikon A1R Spectral Confocal Microscope</td>
			<td>Nikon</td>
			<td>A1R HD25</td>
			<td>Confocal microscope used to analyze samples.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Number 1.5 Chamber Coverglass</td>
			<td>Thermo Fisher</td>
			<td>152250</td>
			<td>Environment for sterile cell culture and imaging.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Optimal Cutting Temperature Compound Reagent</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Compound used to embed cells prior to microtoming.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Paraformaldehyde</td>
			<td>Thermo Scientific</td>
			<td>AAJ19943K2</td>
			<td>Compound used to fix cells.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>PDC-32G Plasma Cleaner</td>
			<td>Harrick Plasma</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Cleaner used to prepare grids prior to transmission electron microscopy.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>penicillin-streptomycin</td>
			<td>GIBCO</td>
			<td>15-140-148</td>
			<td>Antibiotic agent used to discourage bacterial growth during cell culture.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Phosphate Buffered Saline</td>
			<td>Thermo Fisher</td>
			<td>10010023</td>
			<td>Solution used to wash cell medium and act as a buffer during experimentation.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Rhodamine-phalloidin</td>
			<td>Invitrogen</td>
			<td>R415</td>
			<td>F-Actin red fluorescent dye.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Rneasy Plant Mini Kit</td>
			<td>QIAGEN</td>
			<td>74904</td>
			<td>Kit used to filter and homogenize samples during RNA extraction.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Sucrose Solution</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Solution used to process samples prior to microtoming.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>TGF beta-1 Human ELISA Kit</td>
			<td>Invitrogen</td>
			<td>BMS249-4</td>
			<td>Assay kit used to determine the presence of TGF-&#946;1 in a sample.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>TGF-&#946;1</td>
			<td>PEPROTECH</td>
			<td>100-21C</td>
			<td>Growth factor used for the stimulation of chondrogenic differentiation and proliferation.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Triton-X</td>
			<td>Invitrogen</td>
			<td>HFH10</td>
			<td>Compound used to lyse cells not fixed during staining process.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>TRIzol Reagent</td>
			<td>Thermo Fisher</td>
			<td>15596026</td>
			<td>Reagent used to isolate RNA.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Zetasizer Nano ZS</td>
			<td>Malvern Panalytical</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Equipment used to measure zeta-potential values of a sample.</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

fabrication and characterization of layer-by-layer janus base nano-matrix to promote cartilage regeneration

Various biomaterial scaffolds have been developed to guide cell adhesion and proliferation in hopes to promote specific functions for in vitro and in vivo uses. The addition of growth factors into these biomaterial scaffolds is generally done to provide an optimal cell culture environment, mediating cell differentiation and its subsequent functions. However, the growth factors in a conventional biomaterial scaffold are typically designed to be released upon implantation, which could result in unintended side effects on surrounding tissue or cells. Here, the DNA-inspired Janus base nano-matrix (JBNm) has successfully achieved a highly localized microenvironment with a layer-by-layer structure for self-sustainable cartilage tissue constructs. JBNms are self-assembled from Janus base nanotubes (JBNts), matrilin-3, and transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-&#946;1) via bioaffinity. The JBNm was assembled at a TGF-&#946;1:matrilin-3:JBNt ratio of 1:4:10, as this has been the determined ratio at which proper assembly into the layer-by-layer structure could occur. First, the TGF-&#946;1 solution was added to the matrilin-3 solution. Then, this mixture was pipetted several times to ensure sufficient homogeneity before the addition of the JBNt solution. This formed the layer-by-layer JBNm, after pipetting several times again. A variety of experiments were performed to characterize the layer-by-layer JBNm structure, JBNts alone, matrilin-3 alone, and TGF-&#946;1 alone. The formation of JBNm was studied with UV-Vis absorption spectra, and the structure of the JBNm was observed with transmission electron microscopy (TEM). As the innovative layer-by-layer JBNm scaffold is formed on a molecular scale, the fluorescent dye-labeled JBNm could be observed. The TGF-&#946;1 is confined within the inner layer of the injectable JBNm, which can prevent the release of growth factors to surrounding areas, promote localized chondrogenesis, and promote an anti-hypertrophic microenvironment.

Following protocol, JBNts were successfully synthesized and characterized with UV-Vis absorption and TEM. The JBNm is an injectable solid scaffold that undergoes a rapid biomimetic process. After JBNts were added to a mixture of TGF-&#946;1/matrilin-3 solution in a physiological environment, a solid white-mesh scaffold was formed indicating the successful assembly of JBNm, as seen in Figure 1. This was demonstrated in the characterization methods.
Under physiologi...

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Fabrication and Characterization of Layer-By-Layer Janus Base Nano-Matrix to Promote Cartilage Regeneration

This protocol describes the assembly of a layer-by-layer Janus base nano-matrix (JBNm) scaffold by adding Janus base nanotubes (JBNts), matrilin-3, and Transforming Growth Factor Beta-1 (TGF-&#946;1) sequentially. The JBNm was fabricated and characterized; additionally, it displayed excellent bioactivity, encouraging cell functions such as adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation.

Various biomaterial scaffolds have been developed to guide cell adhesion and proliferation in hopes to promote specific functions for in vitro and in vivo ...

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Bioengineering

2.0K Views.  University of Connecticut. This protocol describes the assembly of a layer-by-layer Janus base nano-matrix (JBNm) scaffold by adding Janus base nanotubes (JBNts), matrilin-3, and Transforming Growth Factor Beta-1 (TGF-β1) sequentially. The JBNm was fabricated and characterized; additionally, it displayed excellent bioactivity, encouraging cell functions such as adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation. 

Video: Fabrication and Characterization of Layer-By-Layer Janus Base Nano-Matrix to Promote Cartilage Regeneration

Microfluidic Chip Fabrication and Method to Detect Influenza

Fast and effective diagnostics play an important role in controlling infectious disease by enabling effective patient management and treatment. Here, we present an integrated microfluidic thermoplastic chip with the ability to amplify influenza A virus in patient nasopharyngeal (NP) swabs and aspirates. Upon loading the patient sample, the microfluidic device sequentially carries out on-chip cell lysis, RNA purification and concentration steps within the solid phase extraction (SPE), reverse transcription (RT) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in RT-PCR chambers, respectively. End-point detection is performed using an off-chip Bioanalyzer (Agilent Technologies, Santa Clara, CA). For peripherals, we used a single syringe pump to drive reagent and samples, while two thin film heaters were used as the heat sources for the RT and PCR chambers. The chip is designed to be single layer and suitable for high throughput manufacturing to reduce the fabrication time and cost. The microfluidic chip provides a platform to analyze a wide variety of virus and bacteria, limited only by changes in reagent design needed to detect new pathogens of interest.

An integrated microfluidic thermoplastic chip has been developed for use as a molecular diagnostic. The chip performs nucleic acid extraction, reverse transcriptase, and PCR. Methods for fabricating and running the chip are described.

Fast  and effective diagnostics play an important role in controlling infectious  disease by enabling effective patient management and treatment. Here, we ...

Human Cartilage Tissue Fabrication Using Three-dimensional Inkjet Printing Technology

Bioprinting, which is based on thermal inkjet printing, is one of the most attractive enabling technologies in the field of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. With digital control&#160;cells, scaffolds, and growth factors can be precisely deposited to the desired two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) locations rapidly. Therefore, this technology is an ideal approach to fabricate tissues mimicking their native anatomic structures. In order to engineer cartilage with native zonal organization, extracellular matrix composition (ECM), and mechanical properties, we developed a bioprinting platform using a commercial inkjet printer with simultaneous photopolymerization capable for 3D cartilage tissue engineering. Human chondrocytes suspended in poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) were printed for 3D neocartilage construction via layer-by-layer assembly. The printed cells were fixed at their original deposited positions, supported by the surrounding scaffold in simultaneous photopolymerization. The mechanical properties of the printed tissue were similar to the native cartilage. Compared to conventional tissue fabrication, which requires longer UV exposure, the viability of the printed cells with simultaneous photopolymerization was significantly higher. Printed neocartilage demonstrated excellent glycosaminoglycan (GAG) and collagen type II production, which was consistent with gene expression. Therefore, this platform is ideal for accurate cell distribution and arrangement for anatomic tissue engineering.

The methods described in this paper show how to convert a commercial inkjet printer into a bioprinter with simultaneous UV polymerization. The printer is capable of constructing 3D tissue structure with cells and biomaterials. The study demonstrated here constructed a 3D neocartilage.

Bioprinting, which is based on thermal inkjet printing, is one of the most attractive enabling technologies in the field of tissue engineering and ...

Fabrication and Characterization of a Conformal Skin-like Electronic System for Quantitative, Cutaneous Wound Management

Recent advances in the development of electronic technologies and biomedical devices offer opportunities for non-invasive, quantitative assessment of cutaneous wound healing on the skin. Existing methods, however, still rely on visual inspections through various microscopic tools and devices that normally include high-cost, sophisticated systems and require well trained personnel for operation and data analysis. Here, we describe methods and protocols to fabricate a conformal, skin-like electronics system that enables conformal lamination to the skin surface near the wound tissues, which provides recording of high fidelity electrical signals such as skin temperature and thermal conductivity. The methods of device fabrication provide details of step-by-step preparation of the microelectronic system that is completely enclosed with elastomeric silicone materials to offer electrical isolation. The experimental study presents multifunctional, biocompatible, waterproof, reusable, and flexible/stretchable characteristics of the device for clinical applications. Protocols of clinical testing provide an overview and sequential process of cleaning, testing setup, system operation, and data acquisition with the skin-like electronics, gently mounted on hypersensitive, cutaneous wound and contralateral tissues on patients.

This article presents methods to fabricate and characterize a conformal, skin-like electronic system and protocols for the use in clinical applications, particularly on cutaneous wound management.

Recent advances in the development of electronic technologies and biomedical devices offer opportunities for non-invasive, quantitative assessment of ...

Layer-by-layer Collagen Deposition in Microfluidic Devices for Microtissue Stabilization

Although microfluidics provides exquisite control of the cellular microenvironment, culturing cells within microfluidic devices can be challenging. 3D culture of cells in collagen type I gels helps to stabilize cell morphology and function, which is necessary for creating microfluidic tissue models in microdevices. Translating traditional 3D culture techniques for tissue culture plates to microfluidic devices is often difficult because of the limited channel dimensions. In this method, we describe a technique for modifying native type I collagen to generate polycationic and polyanionic collagen solutions that can be used with layer-by-layer deposition to create ultrathin collagen assemblies on top of cells cultured in microfluidic devices. These thin collagen layers stabilize cell morphology and function, as shown using primary hepatocytes as an example cell, allowing for the long term culture of microtissues in microfluidic devices.

The creation of functional microtissues within microfluidic devices requires the stabilization of cell phenotypes by adapting traditional cell culture techniques to the limited spatial dimensions in microdevices. Modification of collagen allows the layer-by-layer deposition of ultrathin collagen assemblies that can stabilize primary cells, such as hepatocytes, as microfluidic tissue models.

Although microfluidics provides exquisite control of the cellular microenvironment, culturing cells within microfluidic devices can be challenging. 3D ...

An Experimental and Finite Element Protocol to Investigate the Transport of Neutral and Charged Solutes across Articular Cartilage

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a debilitating disease that is associated with degeneration of articular cartilage and subchondral bone. Degeneration of articular cartilage impairs its load-bearing function substantially as it experiences tremendous chemical degradation, i.e. proteoglycan loss and collagen fibril disruption. One promising way to investigate chemical damage mechanisms during OA is to expose the cartilage specimens to an external solute and monitor the diffusion of the molecules. The degree of cartilage damage (i.e. concentration and configuration of essential macromolecules) is associated with collisional energy loss of external solutes while moving across articular cartilage creates different diffusion characteristics compared to healthy cartilage. In this study, we introduce a protocol, which consists of several steps and is based on previously developed experimental micro-Computed Tomography (micro-CT) and finite element modeling. The transport of charged and uncharged iodinated molecules is first recorded using micro-CT, which is followed by applying biphasic-solute and multiphasic finite element models to obtain diffusion coefficients and fixed charge densities across cartilage zones.

We propose a protocol to investigate the transport of charged and uncharged molecules across articular cartilage with the aid of recently developed experimental and numerical methods.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a debilitating disease that is associated with degeneration of articular cartilage and subchondral bone. Degeneration of articular ...

3D Magnetic Stem Cell Aggregation and Bioreactor Maturation for Cartilage Regeneration

Cartilage engineering remains a challenge due to the difficulties in creating an in vitro functional implant similar to the native tissue. An approach recently explored for the development of autologous replacements involves the differentiation of stem cells into chondrocytes. To initiate this chondrogenesis, a degree of compaction of the stem cells is required; hence, we demonstrated the feasibility of magnetically condensing cells, both within thick scaffolds and scaffold-free, using miniaturized magnetic field sources as cell attractors. This magnetic approach was also used to guide aggregate fusion and to build scaffold-free, organized, three-dimensional (3D) tissues several millimeters in size. In addition to having an enhanced size, the tissue formed by magnetic-driven fusion presented a significant increase in the expression of collagen II, and a similar trend was observed for aggrecan expression. As the native cartilage was subjected to forces that influenced its 3D structure, dynamic maturation was also performed. A bioreactor that provides mechanical stimuli was used to culture the magnetically seeded scaffolds over a 21-day period. Bioreactor maturation largely improved chondrogenesis into the cellularized scaffolds; the extracellular matrix obtained under these conditions was rich in collagen II and aggrecan. This work outlines the innovative potential of magnetic condensation of labeled stem cells and dynamic maturation in a bioreactor for improved chondrogenic differentiation, both scaffold-free and within polysaccharide scaffolds.

Chondrogenesis from stem cells requires fine tuning the culture conditions. Here, we present a magnetic approach for condensing cells, an essential step to initiate chondrogenesis. In addition, we show that dynamic maturation in a bioreactor applies mechanical stimulation to the cellular constructs and enhances cartilaginous extracellular matrix production.

Cartilage engineering remains a challenge due to the difficulties in creating an in vitro functional implant similar to the native tissue. An approach ...

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 ...

Fabrication and Characterization of Optical Tissue Phantoms Containing Macrostructure

The rapid development of new optical imaging techniques is dependent on the availability of low-cost, customizable, and easily reproducible standards. By replicating the imaging environment, costly animal experiments to validate a technique may be circumvented. Predicting and optimizing the performance of in vivo and ex vivo imaging techniques requires testing on samples that are optically similar to tissues of interest. Tissue-mimicking optical phantoms provide a standard for evaluation, characterization, or calibration of an optical system. Homogenous polymer optical tissue phantoms are widely used to mimic the optical properties of a specific tissue type within a narrow spectral range. Layered tissues, such as the epidermis and dermis, can be mimicked by simply stacking these homogenous slab phantoms. However, many in vivo imaging techniques are applied to more spatially complex tissue where three dimensional structures, such as blood vessels, airways, or tissue defects, can affect the performance of the imaging system. 
This protocol describes the fabrication of a tissue-mimicking phantom that incorporates three-dimensional structural complexity using material with optical properties of tissue. Look-up tables provide India ink and titanium dioxide recipes for optical absorption and scattering targets. Methods to characterize and tune the material optical properties are described. The phantom fabrication detailed in this article has an internal branching mock airway void; however, the technique can be broadly applied to other tissue or organ structures.

Optical tissue phantoms are essential tools for calibration and characterization of optical imaging systems and validation of theoretical models. This article details a method for phantom fabrication that includes replication of tissue optical properties and three-dimensional tissue structure.

The rapid development of new optical imaging techniques is dependent on the availability of low-cost, customizable, and easily reproducible standards. By ...

Fabrication of Decellularized Cartilage-derived Matrix Scaffolds

Osteochondral defects lack sufficient intrinsic repair capacity to regenerate functionally sound bone and cartilage tissue. To this extent, cartilage research has focused on the development of regenerative scaffolds. This article describes the development of scaffolds that are completely derived from natural cartilage extracellular matrix, coming from an equine donor. Potential applications of the scaffolds include producing allografts for cartilage repair, serving as a scaffold for osteochondral tissue engineering, and providing in vitro models to study tissue formation. By decellularizing the tissue, the donor cells are removed, but many of the natural bioactive cues are thought to be retained. The main advantage of using such a natural scaffold in comparison to a synthetically produced scaffold is that no further functionalization of polymers is required to drive osteochondral tissue regeneration. The cartilage-derived matrix scaffolds can be used for bone and cartilage tissue regeneration in both in vivo and in vitro settings.

Decellularized cartilage-derived scaffolds can be used as a scaffold to guide cartilage repair and as a means to regenerate osteochondral tissue. This paper describes the decellularization process in detail and provides suggestions to use these scaffolds in in vitro settings.

Osteochondral defects lack sufficient intrinsic repair capacity to regenerate functionally sound bone and cartilage tissue. To this extent, cartilage ...

Focused Ion Beam Lithography to Etch Nano-architectures into Microelectrodes

With advances in electronics and fabrication technology, intracortical microelectrodes have undergone substantial improvements enabling the production of sophisticated microelectrodes with greater resolution and expanded capabilities. The progress in fabrication technology has supported the development of biomimetic electrodes, which aim to seamlessly integrate into the brain parenchyma, reduce the neuroinflammatory response observed after electrode insertion and improve the quality and longevity of electrophysiological recordings. Here we describe a protocol to employ a biomimetic approach recently classified as nano-architecture. The use of focused ion beam lithography (FIB) was utilized in this protocol to etch specific nano-architecture features into the surface of non-functional and functional single shank intracortical microelectrodes. Etching nano-architectures into the electrode surface indicated possible improvements of biocompatibility and functionality of the implanted device. One of the benefits of using FIB is the ability to etch on manufactured devices, as opposed to during the fabrication of the device, facilitating boundless possibilities to modify numerous medical devices post-manufacturing. The protocol presented herein can be optimized for various material types, nano-architecture features, and types of devices. Augmenting the surface of implanted medical devices can improve the device performance and integration into the tissue.

We have shown that the etching of nano-architecture into intracortical microelectrode devices may reduce the inflammatory response and has the potential to improve electrophysiological recordings. The methods described herein outline an approach to etch nano-architectures into the surface of non-functional and functional single shank silicon intracortical microelectrodes.

With advances in electronics and fabrication technology, intracortical microelectrodes have undergone substantial improvements enabling the production of ...