Plant-derived cellulose biomaterials have recently been utilized in several tissue engineering applications. Naturally-derived cellulose scaffolds have been shown to be highly biocompatible in vivo, possess structural features of relevance to several tissues, as well as support mammalian cell invasion and proliferation. Recent work utilizing decellularized apple hypanthium tissue has shown that it possesses a pore size and properties similar to trabecular bone. In the present study, we examined the potential of apple-derived cellulose scaffolds for bone tissue engineering (BTE). Confocal microscopy revealed that the scaffolds had a suitable pore size for BTE applications. To analyze their in vitro mineralization potential, MC3T3-E1 pre-osteoblasts were seeded in either bare cellulose scaffolds or in composite scaffolds composed of cellulose and collagen I. Following chemically-induced differentiation, scaffolds were mechanically tested and evaluated for mineralization. The Young's modulus of both types of scaffolds significantly increased after cell differentiation. Alkaline phosphatase and Alizarin Red staining further highlighted the osteogenic potential of the scaffolds. Histological sectioning of the constructs revealed complete invasion by the cells and mineralization throughout the entire constructs. Finally, scanning electron microscopy demonstrated the presence of mineral aggregates deposited on the scaffolds after differentiation, and energy-dispersive spectroscopy confirmed the presence of phosphate and calcium. In summary, our results indicate that plant-derived cellulose is a promising scaffold candidate for bone tissue engineering applications.
Cellular function is well known to be influenced by the physical cues and architecture of their three dimensional (3D) microenvironment. As such, numerous synthetic and naturally-occurring biomaterials have been developed to provide such architectures to support the proliferation of mammalian cells in vitro and in vivo. In recent years, our group, and others, have shown that scaffolds derived from plants can be utilized for tissue engineering applications in biomedicine and in the burgeoning cultured meat industry. Such scaffolds are straightforward to prepare, allowing researchers to take advantage of their intrinsic 3D microarchitectures. During the 2020 SARS-CoV-2 pandemic many people around the world began to rediscover the joy of preparing bread at home and as a research group, our members participated in this trend. Having observed the high porosity of the crumb (the internal portion of the bread) we were inspired to investigate whether it might support the proliferation of mammalian cells in vitro. Here, we develop and validate a yeast-free “soda bread” that maintains its mechanical stability over two weeks in culture conditions. The scaffolding is highly porous, allowing the 3D proliferation of multiple cell types relevant to both biomedical tissue engineering and the development of novel future foods. Bread derived scaffolds are highly scalable and represent a surprising new alternative to synthetic or animal-derived scaffolds for addressing a diverse variety of tissue engineering challenges.
In regenerative medicine, the healing of the interfacial zone between tissues is a major challenge, yet approaches for engineering and studying the complex microenvironment of this interface remain lacking. Here, we create and study these complex living interfaces by manufacturing modular "blocks" of decellularized plant-derived scaffolds with varying shapes and sizes with a computer numerical controlled mill. Each block can then be seeded with different cell types and easily assembled in a manner akin to LEGO bricks to create an engineered tissue interface (ETI). As a proof-of-concept study we utilize ETIs to investigate the interaction between lab grown bone and connective tissues. We also demonstrate how ETIs are biocompatible in vivo, stimulating the formation of blood vessels, cell infiltration, and tissue integration after implantation. This work creates possibilities for new tissue design avenues for understanding fundamental biological processes or the development of synthetic artificial tissues.
In regenerative medicine, the healing of the interfacial zone between tissues is a major challenge, yet approaches for studying the complex microenvironment of this interface remain lacking. Herein, these complex living interfaces by manufacturing modular “blocks” of naturally porous decellularized plant‐derived scaffolds with a computer numerical controlled mill are studied. How each scaffold can be seeded with different cell types and easily assembled in a manner akin to LEGO bricks to create an engineered tissue interface (ETI) is demonstrated. Cells migrate across the interface formed between an empty scaffold and a scaffold preseeded with cells. However, when both scaffolds contain cells, only a shallow cross‐over zone of cell infiltration forms at the interface. As a proof‐of‐concept study, ETIs to investigate the interaction between lab grown bone and connective tissues are used. Consistent with the above, a cross‐over zone of the two distinct cell types forms at the interface between scaffolds, otherwise the populations remain distinct. Finally, how ETIs are biocompatible in vivo are demonstrated, becoming vascularized and integrated into surrounding tissue after implantation. Herein, new tissue design avenues for understanding biological processes or the development of synthetic artificial tissues are created.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.