scholarly journals 3D meshes of carbon nanotubes guide functional reconnection of segregated spinal explants

2016 ◽  
Vol 2 (7) ◽  
pp. e1600087 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sadaf Usmani ◽  
Emily Rose Aurand ◽  
Manuela Medelin ◽  
Alessandra Fabbro ◽  
Denis Scaini ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Carbon Nanotubes ◽  
3D Structure ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Significant Progress ◽  
Multiwalled Carbon ◽  
3D Mesh ◽  
Pure Carbon ◽  
The Brain

In modern neuroscience, significant progress in developing structural scaffolds integrated with the brain is provided by the increasing use of nanomaterials. We show that a multiwalled carbon nanotube self-standing framework, consisting of a three-dimensional (3D) mesh of interconnected, conductive, pure carbon nanotubes, can guide the formation of neural webs in vitro where the spontaneous regrowth of neurite bundles is molded into a dense random net. This morphology of the fiber regrowth shaped by the 3D structure supports the successful reconnection of segregated spinal cord segments. We further observed in vivo the adaptability of these 3D devices in a healthy physiological environment. Our study shows that 3D artificial scaffolds may drive local rewiring in vitro and hold great potential for the development of future in vivo interfaces.

scholarly journals Poly(3-Hydroxybutyrate)-Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes Electrospun Scaffolds Modified with Curcumin

Polymers ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (11) ◽  
pp. 2588
Author(s):  
Nader Tanideh ◽  
Negar Azarpira ◽  
Najmeh Sarafraz ◽  
Shahrokh Zare ◽  
Aida Rowshanghiyas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Carbon Nanotubes ◽  
Tissue Engineering ◽  
Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes ◽  
Inflammatory Reaction ◽  
3D Structure ◽  
Hydrolytic Degradation ◽  
Multiwalled Carbon ◽  
Electrospun Scaffolds

Appropriate selection of suitable materials and methods is essential for scaffolds fabrication in tissue engineering. The major challenge is to mimic the structure and functions of the extracellular matrix (ECM) of the native tissues. In this study, an optimized 3D structure containing poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (P3HB), multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MCNTs) and curcumin (CUR) was created by electrospinning a novel biomimetic scaffold. CUR, a natural anti-inflammatory compound, has been selected as a bioactive component to increase the biocompatibility and reduce the potential inflammatory reaction of electrospun scaffolds. The presence of CUR in electrospun scaffolds was confirmed by 1H NMR and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed highly interconnected porosity of the obtained 3D structures. Addition of up to 20 wt% CUR has enhanced mechanical properties of the scaffolds. CUR has also promoted in vitro bioactivity and hydrolytic degradation of the electrospun nanofibers. The developed P3HB-MCNT composite scaffolds containing 20 wt% of CUR revealed excellent in vitro cytocompatibility using mesenchymal stem cells and in vivo biocompatibility in rat animal model study. Importantly, the reduced inflammatory reaction in the rat model after 8 weeks of implantation has also been observed for scaffolds modified with CUR. Overall, newly developed P3HB-MCNTs-CUR electrospun scaffolds have demonstrated their high potential for tissue engineering applications.

scholarly journals A porous 3D-RGO@MWCNT hybrid material as Li–S battery cathode

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
pp. 514-521 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yongguang Zhang ◽  
Jun Ren ◽  
Yan Zhao ◽  
Taizhe Tan ◽  
Fuxing Yin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Carbon Nanotubes ◽  
Coulombic Efficiency ◽  
Specific Capacity ◽  
3D Structure ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Rate Capability ◽  
Composite Matrix ◽  
Multiwalled Carbon ◽  
Shuttle Effect ◽  
Reduced Graphene

In this work, a unique three-dimensional (3D) structured carbon-based composite was synthesized. In the composite, multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) form a lattice matrix in which porous spherical reduced graphene oxide (RGO) completes the 3D structure. When used in Li–S batteries, the 3D porous lattice matrix not only accommodates a high content of sulfur, but also induces a confinement effect towards polysulfide, and thereby reduces the “shuttle effect”. The as-prepared S-3D-RGO@MWCNT composite delivers an initial specific capacity of 1102 mAh·g−1. After 200 charging/discharge cycles, a capacity of 805 mAh·g−1 and a coulombic efficiency of 98% were maintained, implying the shuttle effect was greatly suppressed by the composite matrix. In addition, the S-3D-RGO@MWCNT composite also exhibits an excellent rate capability.

scholarly journals The CCL2-CCR2 astrocyte-cancer cell axis in tumor extravasation at the brain

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (26) ◽  
pp. eabg8139
Author(s):  
Cynthia Hajal ◽  
Yoojin Shin ◽  
Leanne Li ◽  
Jean Carlos Serrano ◽  
Tyler Jacks ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Cells ◽  
Cancer Cell ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Brain Parenchyma ◽  
Cell Axis ◽  
Chemokine Ligand ◽  
Chemokine Ligand 2 ◽  
The Brain

Although brain metastases are common in cancer patients, little is known about the mechanisms of cancer extravasation across the blood-brain barrier (BBB), a key step in the metastatic cascade that regulates the entry of cancer cells into the brain parenchyma. Here, we show, in a three-dimensional in vitro BBB microvascular model, that astrocytes promote cancer cell transmigration via their secretion of C-C motif chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2). We found that this chemokine, produced primarily by astrocytes, promoted the chemotaxis and chemokinesis of cancer cells via their C-C chemokine receptor type 2 (CCR2), with no notable changes in vascular permeability. These findings were validated in vivo, where CCR2-deficient cancer cells exhibited significantly reduced rates of arrest and transmigration in mouse brain capillaries. Our results reveal that the CCL2-CCR2 astrocyte-cancer cell axis plays a fundamental role in extravasation and, consequently, metastasis to the brain.

scholarly journals Genetic regulation of murine pituitary development

2015 ◽  
Vol 54 (2) ◽  
pp. R55-R73 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karine Rizzoti
Keyword(s):  
Endocrine Cells ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Genetic Regulation ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Significant Progress ◽  
Pituitary Development ◽  
Tumour Formation ◽  
Ventral Diencephalon

Significant progress has been made recently in unravelling the embryonic events leading to pituitary morphogenesis, bothin vivoandin vitro. This includes dissection of the molecular mechanisms controlling patterning of the ventral diencephalon that regulate formation of the pituitary anlagen or Rathke's pouch. There is also a better characterisation of processes that underlie maintenance of pituitary progenitors, specification of endocrine lineages and the three-dimensional organisation of newly differentiated endocrine cells. Furthermore, a population of adult pituitary stem cells (SCs), originating from embryonic progenitors, have been described and shown to have not only regenerative potential, but also the capacity to induce tumour formation. Finally, the successful recapitulationin vitroof embryonic events leading to generation of endocrine cells from embryonic SCs, and their subsequent transplantation, represents exciting advances towards the use of regenerative medicine to treat endocrine deficits. In this review, an up-to-date description of pituitary morphogenesis will be provided and discussed with particular reference to pituitary SC studies.

scholarly journals Preparation, Characterization, andIn VitroandVivoAntitumor Activity of Oridonin-Conjugated Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes Functionalized with Carboxylic Group

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chuanjin Wang ◽  
Wei Li
Keyword(s):  
Carbon Nanotubes ◽  
Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes ◽  
Tumor Therapy ◽  
Water Soluble ◽  
Carboxylic Group ◽  
Multiwalled Carbon ◽  
Compound C ◽  
Poorly Water Soluble

Carbon nanotubes have shown great potential in tumor therapy. Oridonin (ORI) is a poorly water-soluble diterpenoid compound (C20H28O6) used in the treatment of esophageal and hepatic carcinoma for decades. For the purpose of enhancing the antitumor potency and reducing cytotoxicity of ORI, multiwalled carbon nanotubes functionalized with carboxylic group (MWCNTs-COOH) were used as ORI carrier. ORI was noncovalently encapsulated into (or onto) the functionalized carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs-ORI). The obtained MWCNTs-ORI has been characterized. The ORI loading efficiency in MWCNTs-COOH carrier was studied to be about 82.6% (w/w).In vitrocytotoxicity assay on MWCNTs-ORI gave IC50of7.29±0.5 μg/mL and ORI-F gave IC50of14.5±1.4 μg/mL. The antitumor effect studiesin vivoshowed that MWCNTs-ORI improved antitumor activity of ORI in comparison with ORI-F. The tumor inhibition ratio for MWCNTs-ORI (1.68×10-2 g·Kg−1·d−1) was 86.4%, higher than that of ORI-F (1.68×10-2 g·Kg−1·d−1) which was 39.2%. This can greatly improve the pharmaceutical efficiency and reduce potential side effects.

scholarly journals A Novel Three-Dimensional Culture Device Favors a Myelinating Morphology of Neural Stem Cell-Derived Oligodendrocytes

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alessandra Flagelli ◽  
Olivia Candini ◽  
Stella Frabetti ◽  
Massimo Dominici ◽  
Luciana Giardino ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
3D Structure ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
3D Culture ◽  
Precursor Cell ◽  
Research Report ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Differentiation Markers ◽  
Functional Components

The complexity of the central nervous system (CNS) requires researchers to consider all the variables linked to the interaction between the different cell inhabitants. On this basis, any in vitro study of the physiological and pathological processes regarding the CNS should consider the balance between the standardization of the assay and the complexity of the cellular system which mimics the in vivo microenvironment. One of the main structural and functional components of the CNS is the oligodendrocyte precursor cell (OPC), responsible for developmental myelination and myelin turnover and repair during adulthood following differentiation into mature oligodendrocytes. In the present brief research report, we describe a 3D culture tool (VITVO) based on an inert and biocompatible synthetic polymer material scaffold, functionalized with laminin coating, and tested as a new culture microenvironment for neural stem/precursor cell (NSPC) differentiation compared to standard 2D cultures. NSPCs spontaneously differentiate in the three neural lineages (neurons, astrocytes and OPCs), identified by specific markers, along the fibers in the 3D structure. Analysis of the mRNA levels for lineage differentiation markers reveals a higher expression compared to those seeded on a 2D surface, suggesting an acceleration of the differentiation process. We then focused on the oligodendroglial lineage, showing that in VITVO, mature oligodendrocytes exhibit a myelinating morphology, proven by 3D image elaboration, linked to a higher expression of mature oligodendrocyte markers. This preliminary study on an innovative 3D culture system is the first robust step in producing new microenvironment-based strategies to investigate in vitro OPC and oligodendrocyte biology.

scholarly journals A MATLAB-based program for three-dimensional quantitative analysis of micronuclei reveals that neuroinflammation induces micronuclei formation in the brain

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarasa Yano ◽  
Kaito Akiyama ◽  
Rio Tsuchiya ◽  
Hikari Kubotani ◽  
Tomoki Chiba ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Imaging Techniques ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Innate Immune ◽  
The Other ◽  
Primary Neurons ◽  
Immune Response Pathway ◽  
The Brain ◽  
Quantitative Procedure

AbstractThe micronucleus is known to be a biomarker for genomic instability, which is a hallmark of tumors and aging. Normally, micronuclei are produced by segregation errors and mechanical stresses arising from dividing or migrating cells, leading to activation of the innate immune response pathway. Although micronuclei often emerge in damaged tissues, the quantitative procedure for analyzing micronuclei accurately has been problematic. Here, we introduce a novel MATLAB-based program for quantifying micronuclei (CAMDi: calculating automatic micronuclei distinction) in vitro and in vivo. CAMDi is adaptable to various experimental imaging techniques and is useful for obtaining reproducible data. CAMDi enables us to measure the accurate size of micronuclei from the three-dimensional images. Using CAMDi, we revealed a novel link between the emergence of micronuclei and neuroinflammation. We found that inflammatory stimulation does not increase the number of micronuclei in primary neurons. On the other hand, the administration of lipopolysaccharide into mice slightly increases micronuclei formation in neurons of the hippocampus region. These findings demonstrate that neuronal micronuclei formations are induced by an inflammatory response in a non-cell-autonomous manner. We provide a novel tool, CAMDi, to quantify micronuclei and demonstrate that neuronal micronuclei are produced not only by the cell-autonomous process but also by the intercellular communication associated with neuroinflammation in vivo.

scholarly journals Cohesin Releasing Factor WAPL Regulates Genome Structure and Function of Mature T Cells

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yaping Sun ◽  
Gabrielle A. Dotson ◽  
Lindsey A. Muir ◽  
Scott Ronquist ◽  
Katherine Oravecz-Wilson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
T Cells ◽  
Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation ◽  
Genome Structure ◽  
3D Structure ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Structure And Function ◽  
Cell Functions ◽  
And Function

ABSTRACTThe cohesin complex modulates gene expression and cellular functions by shaping three-dimensional (3D) organization of chromatin. WAPL, cohesin’s DNA releasing factor, regulates 3D chromatin architecture. The 3D genome structure and its relevance to mature T cell functions is not well understood. We show that in vivo lymphopenic expansion, and allo-antigen driven proliferation, alters the 3D structure and function of the genome in mature T cells. Conditional deletion of Wapl in T cells reduced long-range genomic interactions, altered chromatin A/B compartments and the topologically associating domains (TAD) of the chromatin in T cells at baseline. Comparison of chromatin structure in normal and WAPL-deficient T cells after lymphopenic and allo-antigen driven stimulation revealed reduced loop extensions with changes in cell cycling genes. WAPL-mediated changes in 3D architecture of chromatin regulated activation, cycling and proliferation of T cells in vitro and in vivo. Finally, WAPL-deficient T cells caused reduced severity of graft-versus-host disease following experimental allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation. These data collectively characterize 3D genomic architecture of T cells in vivo and demonstrate biological and clinical implications for its disruption by cohesin releasing factor WAPL.

scholarly journals Safety Evaluation of Engineered Nanomaterials for Health Risk Assessment: An Experimental Tiered Testing Approach Using Pristine and Functionalized Carbon Nanotubes

2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Teresa Coccini ◽  
Luigi Manzo ◽  
Elisa Roda
Keyword(s):  
Carbon Nanotubes ◽  
Mtt Assay ◽  
Safety Evaluation ◽  
Adverse Outcomes ◽  
Engineered Nanomaterials ◽  
Multiwalled Carbon ◽  
Pristine Mwcnts ◽  
Lung Histopathology

Increasing application of engineered nanomaterials within occupational, environmental, and consumer settings has raised the levels of public concern regarding possible adverse effects on human health. We applied a tiered testing strategy including (i) a first in vitro stage to investigate general toxicity endpoints, followed by (ii) a focused in vivo experiment. Cytotoxicity of laboratory-made functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) (i.e., MW-COOH and MW-NH2), compared to pristine MWCNTs, carbon black, and silica, has been assessed in human A549 pneumocytes by MTT assay and calcein/propidium iodide (PI) staining. Purity and physicochemical properties of the test nanomaterials were also determined. Subsequently, pulmonary toxic effects were assessed in rats, 16 days after MWCNTs i.t. administration (1 mg/kg b.w.), investigating lung histopathology and monitoring several markers of lung toxicity, inflammation, and fibrosis. In vitro data: calcein/PI test indicated no cell viability loss after all CNTs treatment; MTT assay showed false positive cytotoxic response, occurring not dose dependently at exceedingly low CNT concentrations (1 μg/mL). In vivo results demonstrated a general pulmonary toxicity coupled with inflammatory response, without overt signs of fibrosis and granuloma formation, irrespective of nanotube functionalization. This multitiered approach contributed to clarifying the CNT toxicity mechanisms improving the overall understanding of the possible adverse outcomes resulting from CNT exposure.

scholarly journals Fabrication of Subretinal 3D Microelectrodes with Hexagonal Arrangement

Micromachines ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 467 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hee Won Seo ◽  
Namju Kim ◽  
Sohee Kim
Keyword(s):  
Integrated Circuit ◽  
Microelectrode Array ◽  
3D Structure ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Active Electrode ◽  
Prosthetic Devices ◽  
In Vivo Experiments ◽  
Hexagonal Arrangement

This study presents the fabrication of three-dimensional (3D) microelectrodes for subretinal stimulation, to accommodate adjacent return electrodes surrounding a stimulating electrode. For retinal prosthetic devices, the arrangement of return electrodes, the electrode size and spacing should be considered together, to reduce the undesired dissipation of electric currents. Here, we applied the hexagonal arrangement to the microelectrode array for the localized activation of retinal cells and better visual acuity. To provide stimuli more efficiently to non-spiking neurons, a 3D structure was created through a customized pressing process, utilizing the elastic property of the materials used in the fabrication processes. The diameter and pitch of the Pt-coated electrodes were 150 μm and 350 μm, respectively, and the height of the protruded electrodes was around 20 μm. The array consisted of 98 hexagonally arranged electrodes, supported by a flexible and transparent polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) base, with a thickness of 140 μm. Also, the array was coated with 2 μm-thick parylene-C, except the active electrode sites, for more focused stimulation. Finally, the electrochemical properties of the fabricated microelectrodes were characterized, resulting in the mean impedance of 384.87 kΩ at 1 kHz and the charge storage capacity (CSC) of 2.83 mC·cm−2. The fabricated microelectrodes are to be combined with an integrated circuit (IC) for additional in vitro and in vivo experiments.

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