Unraveling the Mechanobiology of the Immune System

Abstract

Cells respond and actively adapt to environmental cues in the form of mechanical stimuli. This extends to immune cells and their critical role in the maintenance of tissue homeostasis. Multiple recent studies have begun illuminating underlying mechanisms of mechanosensation in modulating immune cell phenotypes. Since the extracellular microenvironment is critical to modify cellular physiology that ultimately determines the functionality of the cell, understanding the interactions between immune cells and their microenvironment is necessary. This review focuses on mechanoregulation of immune responses mediated by macrophages, dendritic cells, and T cells, in the context of modern mechanobiology.

Stretchable Supercapacitors as Emergent Energy Storage Units for Health Monitoring Bioelectronics

“…In EDLC, the charge is stored in the Helmholtz double layer at the interface between the electrode and electrolyte. 2020, 10,1902769 Figure 1. Given that EDLC relies on the electrostatic charges accumulated on the surface of the electrodes, to boost the energy density of EDLC, a straightforward strategy would be increasing the specific surface area (SSA).…”

“…In addition, an origami-type stretchable supercapacitor was designed with a packed series connection fabricated by a unique patterning approach. 2020, 10,1902769 Figure 7. Using similar strategies, nonactive elastic substrates could be utilized to design the stretchable commercial electronics, such as watch strap [163] and integrated strain sensors.…”

“…Alternatively, silicone-based substrates are sometimes used to encapsulate wearable devices and separated it from skin, ensuring biocompatibility of the device. 2020, 10,1902769 [180] Copyright 2018, WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim. The stretchable supercapacitor incorporated a layer-by-layer assembled MWCNT/Mn 3 O 4 thin film as electrodes and PMMA/PC/LiClO 4 as electrolytes.…”

“…[10] Moreover, they can accommodate movements of substrates such as clothes, skin, and soft tissue, owing to the robust performance under various deformations. Their elastic modulus is closer to skin and tissues than rigid supercapacitors, which could potentially reduce the possibility of immune responses.…”

In Vitro Thrombogenicity Testing of Biomaterials

“…Counting of nonadherent leukocytes—, e.g., via a complete blood cell count—represents an indirect quantification of the retention of these cells to the material surface . Leukocyte activation as well as their contribution to the thrombus formation (platelet‐leukocyte aggregates) can be measured, e.g., by CD11b (Mac‐1) labeling (flow cytometric and microscopic analysis) . Levels of soluble activation markers, such as polymorphonuclear granulocyte elastase (PMN‐elastase) or reactive oxygen species (indicating respiratory burst), can be quantified by ELISA and also by flow cytometry (e.g., dihydrorhodamine‐12 conversion) …”