Mechanotransduction in Corneal Epithelial Cells

Abstract

Mechanical properties of the cornea can be affected by diseases such as keratoconus. In keratoconus, a decrease in both thickness and rigidity of the cornea is observed. It is currently not clear whether and how changes in mechanical properties of the cornea are associated with corneal epithelial cell behavior. In the present study, polyacrylamide (PAA) gels with different elastic moduli have been prepared and human corneal epithelial cells (HCECs) have been cultured on them. To investigate the effect that changes in elastic modulus may have on adhesion and migration of corneal epithelial cells, actin filament organization and expression of adhesion molecules were characterized. It was found that HCECs actin filament organization improves with increasing substrate stiffness and integrin α3 expression significantly increases on more compliant substrates.

Phase Separated Fibrous Structures: Mechanism Study and Applications

“…This phenomenon has also been observed in PLLA/dioxane/water ternary system by He et al (44). Pores near the wall of scaffolding molds were typically smaller than those in the middle, because the cooling rate is higher near the wall (42).…”

“…This phenomenon might connect to the incomplete microstructure formation at a low concentration (43). Sara et al also found that higher PLLA concentrations increased the thickness of pore walls and could also uniform the pore size (42).…”

“…During TIPS, polymer concentration has significant effect on pore size and distribution. Sara et al proved that a low polymer (PLLA) concentration led to the formation of nonuniform larger pores (42). This phenomenon might connect to the incomplete microstructure formation at a low concentration (43).…”

Melt Processed PCL/PEG Scaffold With Discrete Pore Size Gradient for Selective Cellular Infiltration

“…[15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30] The most recent papers focused on the preparation of BTA by particle leaching, gas foaming technique, [15] electrospinning, [16][17][18] layer by layer casting technique, [19] rapid prototyping, [20,21] thermal induced phase separation, [22] centrifugation freeze drying, [23,24] triply periodic minimal surfaces (TPMS), [25] freeze casting. [26][27][28][29][30] Most of the methods presented in the scientific literature are based on the dissolution of the polymeric phase in a specific solvent.…”

Investigation of Magnesium Incorporation within Gelatin/Calcium Phosphate Nanocomposite Scaffold for Bone Tissue Engineering

“…The ideal scaffolds should mechanically support the newly formed tissues as well as deliver inductive molecules or cells to the repair site and provide cues to control the structure and function of the new tissue . To fulfill this role, three‐dimensional porous architectures have been fabricated using various techniques, such as porogen leaching, phase separation, solvent casting and freeze‐drying …”