Fibroblasts upregulate expression of adhesion molecules and promote lymphocyte retention in 3D fibroin/gelatin scaffolds

Abstract

Bioengineered scaffolds are crucial components in artificial tissue construction. In general, these scaffolds provide inert three-dimensional (3D) surfaces supporting cell growth. However, some scaffolds can affect the phenotype of cultured cells, especially, adherent stromal cells, such as fibroblasts. Here we report on unique properties of 3D fibroin/gelatin materials, which may rapidly induce expression of adhesion molecules, such as ICAM-1 and VCAM-1, in cultured primary murine embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs). In contrast, two-dimensional (2D) fibroin/gelatin films did not show significant effects on gene expression profiles in fibroblasts as compared to 3D culture conditions. Interestingly, TNF expression was induced in MEFs cultured in 3D fibroin/gelatin scaffolds, while genetic or pharmacological TNF ablation resulted in diminished ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 expression by these cells. Using selective MAPK inhibitors, we uncovered critical contribution of JNK to 3D-induced upregulation of these adhesion molecules. Moreover, we observed ICAM-1/VCAM-1-dependent adhesion of lymphocytes to fibroblasts cultured in 3D fibroin/gelatin scaffolds, but not on 2D fibroin/gelatin films, suggesting functional reprogramming in stromal cells, when exposed to 3D environment. Finally, we observed significant infiltration of lymphocytes into 3D fibroin/gelatin, but not into collagen scaffolds in vivo upon subcapsular kidney implantation in mice. Together our data highlight the important features of fibroin/gelatin scaffolds, when they are produced as 3D sponges rather than 2D films, which should be considered when using these materials for tissue engineering.

A Strong Adhesive Biological Hydrogel for Colon Leakage Repair and Abdominal Adhesion Prevention

“…These results were supported by the SEM observation of the ultra‐microstructure (Figure 6C). To further verify whether the smooth HAMA/HANB surface could prevent cell adhesion, we placed mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) on photocured HAMA/HANB; [ 41 ] the cells did not adhere to the wall but clumped together. However, MEFs cultured under normal culture conditions adhered to the wall (Figure 6D).…”

Scalable Manufacturing of Environmentally Stable All‐Solid‐State Plant Protein‐Based Supercapacitors with Optimal Balance of Capacitive Performance and Mechanically Robust

“…[13] Considering the environmental pollution caused by nondegradable petroleum-based polymers, degradable biopolymeric materials derived from renewable and bio-derived resources are considered as promising candidates. [14,15] Among those degradable biopolymeric materials, proteins, are envisioned as an ideal biomaterial for the production of innovative flexible electronics, [16] such as whey protein, [17] lysozyme, [18] silk fibroin, [19] β-lactoglobulin, [20] and recombinant proteins. [21] But high manufacturing costs (over $100 kg −1 ), [22] possible allergenicity, and the environmental effect of animal-derived feedstocks, the development of natural animal-derived protein materials for practical applications remained a challenge.…”

Constructing Silk Fibroin-Based Three-Dimensional Microfluidic Devices via a Tape Mask-Assisted Multiple-Step Etching Technique

“…The 2D microfluidic devices have been constructed with the RSF films as substrates using the soft lithography technology for the analytical applications . RSF-based 3D scaffolds with microfluidic channels have also been fabricated to meet the growing requirements on biodegradable implantable devices. , RSF–gelatin-based 3D microfluidic scaffolds were constructed with predefined 2D monolayers via a bottom-up assembling method to form the 3D stacked structure. RSF hydrogels with 3D microchannels were prepared with a fabrication method based on gelatin sacrificial molding and layer-by-layer assembly .…”