On-command on/off switching of progenitor cell and cancer cell polarized motility and aligned morphology via a cytocompatible shape memory polymer scaffold

Abstract

In vitro biomaterial models have enabled advances in understanding the role of extracellular matrix (ECM) architecture in the control of cell motility and polarity. Most models are, however, static and cannot mimic dynamic aspects of in vivo ECM remodeling and function. To address this limitation, we present an electrospun shape memory polymer scaffold that can change fiber alignment on command under cytocompatible conditions. Cellular response was studied using the human fibrosarcoma cell line HT-1080 and the murine mesenchymal stem cell line C3H/10T1/2. The results demonstrate successful on-command on/off switching of cell polarized motility and alignment. Decrease in fiber alignment causes a change from polarized motility along the direction of fiber alignment to non-polarized motility and from aligned to unaligned morphology, while increase in fiber alignment causes a change from non-polarized to polarized motility along the direction of fiber alignment and from unaligned to aligned morphology. In addition, the findings are consistent with the hypothesis that increased fiber alignment causes increased cell velocity, while decreased fiber alignment causes decreased cell velocity. On-command on/off switching of cell polarized motility and alignment is anticipated to enable new study of directed cell motility in tumor metastasis, in cell homing, and in tissue engineering.

Cellular and Subcellular Contact Guidance on Microfabricated Substrates

“…The collected fibers can be left with a random orientation or aligned by different methods (Yuan et al, 2017) thereby creating a complex (but more physiological) topographical environment that presents either unidirectional or multidirectional cues to cells. More recently, electrospun shape memory polymer scaffolds that can change fiber alignment on command have been developed, alternatively presenting both types of cues to the same cells (Wang et al, 2017).…”

In Vitro Study of Colon Cancer Cell Migration Using E‐Jet 3D Printed Cell Culture Platforms

“…The influence of 3D fibrillar structures on cellular outcomes has been highlighted in recent studies in which a wide variety of tissues have been mimicked . Aligned fibers in tumors have been shown to play an important role in directing cancer cell behavior during tumor metastasis and fiber alignment can be used as a paradigm for predicting human breast cancer survival . Tumor cells require the presence of fibers to invade the surrounding stroma .…”

Shape-Memory Nanofiber Meshes with Programmable Cell Orientation

“…Stimuli-responsive fibrous materials with shape-memory properties (also called "shape-memory fibers") have received great attention for their potential regenerative medicine, filtration, robotics, and catalysis applications [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8]. Shape-memory polymers (SMPs) are a class of temperature-responsive materials that can change from a temporary shape to a memorized permanent shape upon the application of heat.…”