Spider Silk-Augmented Scaffolds and Adipose-Derived Stromal Cells Loaded with Uniaxial Cyclic Strain: First Investigations of a Novel Approach for Tendon-Like Constructs

Abstract

Tendon injuries still pose a challenge to reconstructive surgeons. Tendon tissue is a bradytrophic tissue and has a poor tendency to heal. Autologous tendon grafts are, therefore, still the gold standard in restorative operations but are associated with significant donor side morbidity. The experimental approach of the present study focused on the use of the biomaterial spider silk as a biocompatible and very stable carrier matrix in combination with a collagen type I hydrogel and adipose-derived stromal cells. The constructs were differentiated by axial strain to tendon-like tissue using a custom-made bioreactor. Macroscopically, tendon-like tissue could be detected which histologically showed high cell vitality even in long-term cultivation. In addition, cell morphology comparable to tenocytes could be detected in the bioreactor-stimulated tendon-like constructs compared to the controls. Immunohistochemically, tendon tissue-specific markers could be detected. Therefore, the developed tendon-like construct represents a promising approach towards patient specific tendon reconstruction, but further studies are needed.

Spider Silk-Improved Quartz-Enhanced Conductance Spectroscopy for Medical Mask Humidity Sensing

“…This rearrangement results in the phenomenon of supercontraction that will change the modulus of the spider silk [11,12]. The spider silks are widely used in optical systems [13], the synthesis of new materials [14,15], biomedical applications [16][17][18][19][20][21] and tensile mechanics [22][23][24][25][26]. Spider silk also exhibits powerful cyclic contractions, which can be reversible and have reproducible use [9,27].…”

Influence of Tamoxifen on Different Biological Pathways in Tumorigenesis and Transformation in Adipose-Derived Stem Cells, Mammary Cells and Mammary Carcinoma Cell Lines—An In Vitro Study

“…In autologous fat grafting, adipose-derived stem cells (ASC) contained in the adipose tissue are also transferred from the donor side to the oncological operated breast [ 29 ]. ASC are multipotent adipose-derived stem cells with the potential to form bone, cartilage, muscle and fat tissue, representing an exciting perspective for regenerative medicine and surgery [ 30 , 31 , 32 ]. It was described earlier that ASC contribute to fat tissue turnover and enhance vascularization [ 33 , 34 ].…”