Polyisocyanides as a substrate to trigger vaginal fibroblast functioning in an in vitro model for prolapse repair

Vaginal Fibroblast Behavior as a Function of Stiffness Changes in a Polyisocyanide Hydrogel for Prolapse Repair

“…The bulk and surface measurements of the selected PIC-gels were correlated with the polymer concentration. The stiffness outcomes were within range of soft tissues and PIC-substrates that facilitate a sustained fibroblast activity, which supports our choice of the selected PIC-concentrations. ,, The shear storage and effective moduli were of the same order of magnitude, despite the experimental differences in deformation mode and length scales . We note that PIC gels, analogous to biological gels such as collagen and fibrin, display unique nonlinear mechanical responses under complex multiaxial deformation (like nanoindentation), which further emphasizes the biomimetic character of the PIC gels. , Furthermore, we note that it is challenging to obtain consistent nanoindentation measurements on soft substrates due to increased sensitivity to noise during indentation, as reflected by the presented variations in the modulus.…”

“…Stiffness differences between the hydrogel surfaces were assessed by nanoindentation (Piuma, Optics11) in terms of the effective Young’s modulus ( E eff ) on day 0. PIC-gels were indented in 96-well plates at 37 °C in a noise-canceling box . Thin piezos with low-stiffness probes (stiffness = 0.027 N m –1 , radius = 10 μm, Pavone, Optics11) were used and indented the gel surface during a matrix scan of minimally 6 points (100 μm per step).…”

“…In this study, we aim to investigate the vaginal fibroblast function by changing the stiffness of a polyisocyanide (PIC)-hydrogel. A PIC gel is a mechanically biomimetic and thermosensitive material that shows promise for regenerative purposes by its potential to promote vaginal fibroblast activity, steer stem cell differentiation and secretome, and facilitate neovascularization in vitro . − Recently, we were able to stimulate vaginal fibroblast activity with respect to ECM deposition and remodeling through adjustments in ligand density in the PIC gel. , Based on these results, we hypothesize that we can manipulate the vaginal fibroblast functions and improve relevant parameters in prolapse repair by changing the PIC gel stiffness in the cell microenvironment. Understanding the effects of stiffness on fibroblast function may help in initiating such tissue regenerative strategies.…”

“…16−18 Recently, we were able to stimulate vaginal fibroblast activity with respect to ECM deposition and remodeling through adjustments in ligand density in the PIC gel. 19,20 Based on these results, we hypothesize that we can manipulate the vaginal fibroblast functions and improve relevant parameters in prolapse repair by changing the PIC gel stiffness in the cell microenvironment. Understanding the effects of stiffness on fibroblast function may help in initiating such tissue regenerative strategies.…”

The efficacy and safety of temperature controlled dual-mode radiofrequency in women with vaginal laxity

“…Besides, we also confirmed that dual-mode RF improved strength of voluntary contractions of the pelvic floor muscles, which was the most obvious at 12-month follow-up. The changes of vaginal fibroblast function and connective tissue components of vaginal wall may be related to POP [ 35 ], which could be improved by volumetric heating of vaginal tissue in the connective tissue organization [ 36 ]. RF therapy with a set temperature of 40 ~ 45 °C was reported to be correlated with vaginal elasticity recovery and increased vaginal mucosal moisture, and these actions were attributed to various factors, such as growth factor/collagen production in fibroblast via activating heat-shock proteins and inhibiting inflammatory cascade [ 21 , 37 ].…”