scholarly journals A mathematical model for cell-induced gel contraction incorporating osmotic effects

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
James R Reoch ◽  
Yvonne M Stokes ◽  
J.E.F Green

Biological tissues are composed of cells surrounded by the extracellular matrix (ECM). The ECM can be thought of as a fibrous polymer network, acting as a natural scaffolding to provide mechanical support to the cells. Reciprocal mechanical and chemical interactions between the cells and the ECM are crucial in regulating the development of tissues and maintaining their functionality. Hence, to maintain in vivo-like behaviour when cells are cultured in vitro, they are often seeded in a gel, which aims to mimic the ECM. In this paper, we present a mathematical model that incorporate cell-gel interactions together with osmotic pressure to study the mechanical behaviour of biological gels. In particular, we consider an experiment where cells are seeded within a gel, which gradually compacts due to forces exerted on it by the cells. Adopting a one-dimensional Cartesian geometry for simplicity, we use a combination of analytical techniques and numerical simulations to investigate how cell traction forces interact with osmotic effects (which can lead to either gel swelling or contraction depending on the gel's composition). Our results show that a number of qualitatively different behaviours are possible, depending on the composition of the gel (i.e. the chemical potentials) and the strength of the cell traction forces. We observe an unusual case where the gel oscillates between swelling and contraction. We also consider on how physical parameters like drag and viscosity affect the manner in which the gel evolves.

Polymers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (16) ◽  
pp. 2674
Author(s):  
Giulia Morello ◽  
Alessandro Polini ◽  
Francesca Scalera ◽  
Riccardo Rizzo ◽  
Giuseppe Gigli ◽  
...  

In recent years, growing attention has been directed to the development of 3D in vitro tissue models for the study of the physiopathological mechanisms behind organ functioning and diseases. Hydrogels, acting as 3D supporting architectures, allow cells to organize spatially more closely to what they physiologically experience in vivo. In this scenario, natural polymer hybrid hydrogels display marked biocompatibility and versatility, representing valid biomaterials for 3D in vitro studies. Here, thermosensitive injectable hydrogels constituted by chitosan and pectin were designed. We exploited the feature of chitosan to thermally undergo sol–gel transition upon the addition of salts, forming a compound that incorporates pectin into a semi-interpenetrating polymer network (semi-IPN). Three salt solutions were tested, namely, beta-glycerophosphate (βGP), phosphate buffer (PB) and sodium hydrogen carbonate (SHC). The hydrogel formulations (i) were injectable at room temperature, (ii) gelled at 37 °C and (iii) presented a physiological pH, suitable for cell encapsulation. Hydrogels were stable in culture conditions, were able to retain a high water amount and displayed an open and highly interconnected porosity and suitable mechanical properties, with Young’s modulus values in the range of soft biological tissues. The developed chitosan/pectin system can be successfully used as a 3D in vitro platform for studying tissue physiopathology.


Author(s):  
Tim Oliver ◽  
Michelle Leonard ◽  
Juliet Lee ◽  
Akira Ishihara ◽  
Ken Jacobson

We are using video-enhanced light microscopy to investigate the pattern and magnitude of forces that fish keratocytes exert on flexible silicone rubber substrata. Our goal is a clearer understanding of the way molecular motors acting through the cytoskeleton co-ordinate their efforts into locomotion at cell velocities up to 1 μm/sec. Cell traction forces were previously observed as wrinkles(Fig.l) in strong silicone rubber films by Harris.(l) These forces are now measureable by two independant means.In the first of these assays, weakly crosslinked films are made, into which latex beads have been embedded.(Fig.2) These films report local cell-mediated traction forces as bead displacements in the plane of the film(Fig.3), which recover when the applied force is released. Calibrated flexible glass microneedles are then used to reproduce the translation of individual beads. We estimate the force required to distort these films to be 0.5 mdyne/μm of bead movement. Video-frame analysis of bead trajectories is providing data on the relative localisation, dissipation and kinetics of traction forces.


Author(s):  
Bhikshapathi D. V. R. N. ◽  
Haarika B ◽  
Jyothi Sri S ◽  
K Abbulu

The purpose of present investigation was to develop floating matrix tablets of gemifloxacin mesylate, which after oral administration could prolong the gastric residence time, increase the drug bioavailability and diminish the side effects of irritating drugs. Tablets containing drug, various viscosity grades of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose such as HPMC K4M and HPMC K15M as matrix forming agent, Sodium bicarbonate as gas-forming agent and different additives were tested for their usefulness in formulating gastric floating tablets by direct compression method. The physical parameters, in vitro buoyancy, release characteristics and in vivo radiographic study were investigated in this study. The gemifloxacin mesylate floating tablets were prepared using HPMC K4M polymer giving more sustained drug release than the tablet containing HPMC K15M. All these formulations showed floating lag time of 30 to 47 sec and total floating time more than 12 h. The drug release was decreased when polymer concentration increases and gas generating agent decreases. Formulation that contains maximum concen-tration of both HPMC K15M and sodium bicarbonate (F9) showing sufficiently sustained with 99.2% of drug release at 12 h. The drug release from optimized formulation follows Higuchi model that indicates the diffusion controlled release. The best formulation (F9) was selected based on in vitro characteristics and used in vivo radiographic studies by incorporating barium sulphate as a radio-opaque agent and the tablet remained in the stomach for about 6 h.   


2002 ◽  
Vol 1 (5) ◽  
pp. 319-327 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. P. Rols ◽  
M. Golzio ◽  
B. Gabriel ◽  
J. Teissié

Electric field pulses are a new approach for drug and gene delivery for cancer therapy. They induce a localized structural alteration of cell membranes. The associated physical mechanisms are well explained and can be safely controlled. A position dependent modulation of the membrane potential difference is induced when an electric field is applied to a cell. Electric field pulses with an overcritical intensity evoke a local membrane alteration. A free exchange of hydrophilic low molecular weight molecules takes place across the membrane. A leakage of cytosolic metabolites and a loading of polar drugs into the cytoplasm are obtained. The fraction of the cell surface which is competent for exchange is a function of the field intensity. The level of local exchange is strongly controlled by the pulse duration and the number of successive pulses. The permeabilised state is long lived. Its lifetime is under the control of the cumulated pulse duration. Cell viability can be preserved. Gene transfer is obtained but its mechanism is not a free diffusion. Plasmids are electrophoretically accumulated against the permeabilised cell surface and form aggregates due to the field effect. After the pulses, several steps follow: translocation to the cytoplasm, traffic to the nucleus and expression. Molecular structural and metabolic changes in cells remain mostly poorly understood. Nevertheless, while most studies were established on cells in culture ( in vitro), recent experiments show that similar effects are obtained on tissue ( in vivo). Transfer remains controlled by the physical parameters of the electrical treatment.


2009 ◽  
Vol 96 (2) ◽  
pp. 729-738 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher A. Lemmon ◽  
Christopher S. Chen ◽  
Lewis H. Romer

2011 ◽  
Vol 61 (2) ◽  
pp. 217-226 ◽  
Author(s):  
Komuravelly Someshwar ◽  
Kalyani Chithaluru ◽  
Tadikonda Ramarao ◽  
K. Kumar

Formulation and evaluation of effervescent floating tablets of tizanidine hydrochloride Tizanidine hydrochloride is an orally administered prokinetic agent that facilitates or restores motility through-out the length of the gastrointestinal tract. The objective of the present investigation was to develop effervescent floating matrix tablets of tizanidine hydrochloride for prolongation of gastric residence time in order to overcome its low bioavailability (34-40 %) and short biological half life (4.2 h). Tablets were prepared by the direct compression method, using different viscosity grades of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC K4M, K15M and K100M). Tablets were evaluated for various physical parameters and floating properties. Further, tablets were studied for in vitro drug release characteristics in 12 hours. Drug release from effervescent floating matrix tablets was sustained over 12 h with buoyant properties. DSC study revealed that there is no drug excipient interaction. Based on the release kinetics, all formulations best fitted the Higuchi, first-order model and non-Fickian as the mechanism of drug release. Optimized formulation (F9) was selected based on the similarity factor (f2) (74.2), dissolution efficiency at 2, 6 and 8 h, and t50 (5.4 h) and was used in radiographic studies by incorporating BaSO4. In vivo X-ray studies in human volunteers showed that the mean gastric residence time was 6.2 ± 0.2 h.


INDIAN DRUGS ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 50 (06) ◽  
pp. 36-39
Author(s):  
S Deshmane ◽  
◽  
K Gandhi ◽  
S. Nagpure ◽  
A. Sawant ◽  
...  

The new mathematical model was developed by studying angle of slide using N, N-dimethyl acetamide, non-volatile liquid vehicle and prepared liquisolid tablets, in which the different concentrations of non-volatile liquid adsorbed over carrier and coating material separately. Both DSC and FT-IR study showed better compatibility and stability. The optimized formulation showed higher drug release during in-vitro and in-vivo study against conventional and marketed preparation. The present work concludes that N, N-dimethyl acetamide enhanced the solubility of pioglitazone HCl with higher dissolution rate through liquisolid technique.


2021 ◽  
Vol 18 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laila Hussein ◽  
Mostafa Gouda ◽  
Harpal S. Buttar

Abstract: Cancer is a global multifactorial disease consisting of over 200 types of cancers. It is well recognized that primary prevention is an effective way to fight cancers by using natural polyphenolic anticancer foods, vegetables and fruits, avoiding exposure to carcinogenic environment, smoking cessation, and through lifestyle modifications. The present review provides up to date information on the effects and functions of pomegranate juice and its bioactive components on the most widespread six cancer types. Pomegranate contains important polyphenolic compounds such as ellagitannins and punicalagin, with strong antioxidant ability for scavenging free radicals and producing metal-chelates in the biological tissues. The in vitro and in vivo studies suggests that antioxidant and anti-inflammation properties of pomegranate constitute have major antimutagenic and antiproliferative activities for regulating gene expression, modulating cellular mechanisms, and limiting the ability of cancers to metastasize. A limited number of clinical studies have suggested that pomegranate ingredients have the potential for the prevention and treatment of cancer, especially colorectal and prostate cancer. In cancer therapy, it remains a clinical dilemma to hit the right target without inducing side effects. The costly anticancer chemotherapies are often associated with drug resistance and serious side effects in vital organs, and noncancerous neighboring cells. It appears that the pomegranate based phytotherapies would be affordable and cost-effective for next generation non-pharmacologic anticancer remedies with lesser side effects. However, well-designed, randomized, double-blind, and multi-center studies are needed to establish the long-term safety, efficacy and dose schedules for orally deliverable pomegranate formulations.


2016 ◽  
Vol 09 (02) ◽  
pp. 1650005 ◽  
Author(s):  
Valeriya S. Maryakhina ◽  
Vyacheslav V. Gun’kov

In this paper, the mathematical model of distribution of the injected compound in biological liquid flow has been described. It is considered that biological liquid contains a few phases such as water, peptides and cells. The injected compound (for example, photosensitizer) can interact with peptides and cells. At the time, viscosity of the biological liquid depends on pathology present in organism. The obtained distribution of the compound connects on changes of its fluorescence spectra which are registered during fluorescent diagnostics of tumors. It is obtained that the curves do not have monotonic nature. There is a sharp curves decline in the first few seconds after injection. Intensivity of curves rises after decreasing. It is especially pronounced for wavelength 590[Formula: see text]nm and 580[Formula: see text]nm (near the “transparency window” of biological tissues). Time of inflection point shifts from 8.4[Formula: see text]s to 6.9[Formula: see text]s for longer wavelength. However, difference between curves is little for different viscosity means of the biological liquid. Thus, additional pathology present in organism does not impact to the results of in vivo biomedical investigations.


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