Towards an in vitro model mimicking the foreign body response: tailoring the surface properties of biomaterials to modulate extracellular matrix

Abstract

Despite various studies to minimize host reaction following a biomaterial implantation, an appealing strategy in regenerative medicine is to actively use such an immune response to trigger and control tissue regeneration. We have developed an in vitro model to modulate the host response by tuning biomaterials' surface properties through surface modifications techniques as a new strategy for tissue regeneration applications. Results showed tunable surface topography, roughness, wettability, and chemistry by varying treatment type and exposure, allowing for the first time to correlate the effect of these surface properties on cell attachment, morphology, strength and proliferation, as well as proinflammatory (IL-1β, IL-6) and antiflammatory cytokines (TGF-β1, IL-10) secreted in medium, and protein expression of collagen and elastin. Surface microstructuring, derived from chloroform partial etching, increased surface roughness and oxygen content. This resulted in enhanced cell adhesion, strength and proliferation as well as a balance of soluble factors for optimum collagen and elastin synthesis for tissue regeneration. By linking surface parameters to cell activity, we could determine the fate of the regenerated tissue to create successful soft tissue-engineered replacement.

Utilizing the Foreign Body Response to Grow Tissue Engineered Blood Vessels in Vivo

“…It is known that the surface characteristics of an implanted biomaterial are key in driving the FBR and fibrous capsule formation [18, 51]. Ultimately, we aim to develop a TEBV to be used as vascular access site for hemodialysis.…”

Biomaterials and scaffolds in the medical-surgical area

“…The concept of tissue regeneration in situ has now been introduced, where the guest's response is used as an indirect way to attract specific tissue repair cells. Although several studies choose to modify the surface of implants to reduce the response of the host, biomaterials with surface tuning properties, could be a viable strategy to improve tissue regeneration in situ through a bioreactor in vivo approach (Damanik et al, 2014). López et al (2013) In tissue engineering, artificial scaffolding has been studied containing living cells for tissue repair and regeneration.…”

Biomaterial and Cell Interactions - The Foreign Body Response as an Obstacle in Nanomedicine

“…To bridge the chasm between in vitr o experiments and the FBR, several labs are moving towards integrating inflammatory cells into culture models as a means to simulate or elucidate the physiochemical mechanisms mediating the FBR [8][9][10]. This is a move in the right direction.…”