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Over the past decades, many cell-penetrating peptides (CPP) have been studied for their capacity to cross cellular membranes, mostly in order to improve cellular uptake of therapeutic agents. Even though hydrophobic and anionic CPPs have been described, many of them are polycationic, due to the presence of several arginine (Arg) residues. Noteworthy, however, the presence of aromatic amino acids such as tryptophan (Trp) within CPPs seems to play an important role to reach high membranotropic activity. RW9 (RRWWRRWRR) is a designed CPP derived from the polyarginine R9 presenting both features. In general, when interacting with membranes, CPPs adopt an optimal conformation for membrane interactions - an amphipathic helical secondary structure in the case of RW9. Herein, we assumed that the incorporation of a locally constrained amino acid in the peptide sequence could improve the membranotropic activity of RW9, by facilitating its structuration upon contact with a membrane, while leaving a certain plasticity. Therefore, two cyclized Trp derivatives (Tcc and Aia) were synthesized to be incorporated in RW9 as surrogates of Trp residues. Thus, a series of peptides containing these building blocks has been synthesized by varying the type, position, and number of modifications. The membranotropic activity of the RW9 analogs was studied by spectrofluorescence titration of the peptides in presence of liposomes (DMPG), allowing to calculate partition coefficients (Kp). Our results indicate that the partitioning of the modified peptides depends on the type, the number and the position of the modification, with the best sequence being [Aia4]RW9. Interestingly, both NMR analysis and molecular dynamic (MD) simulations indicate that this analog presents an extended conformation similar to the native RW9, but with a much-reduced structural flexibility. Finally, cell internalization properties were also confirmed by confocal microscopy.

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The implantation of metallic orthopedic prostheses is increasingly common due to an aging population and accidents. There is a real societal need to implement new metal implants that combine durability, good mechanical properties, excellent biocompatibility, as well as affordable costs. Since the functionalization of low-cost 316L stainless steel substrates through the successive electrodeposition of a polypyrrole film (PPy) and a calcium phosphate deposit doped with silicon was previously carried out by our labs, we have also developed a bio-functional coating by electrodepositing or oxidating of fibronectin (Fn) coating. Fn is an extracellular matrix glycoprotein involved in cell adhesion and differentiation. Impacts of either electrodeposition or oxidation on the structure and functionality of Fn were first studied. Thus, electrodeposition is the technique that permits the highest deposition of fibronectin, compared to adsorption or oxidation. Furthermore, electrodeposition seems to strongly modify Fn conformation by the formation of intermingled long fibers, resulting in changes to the accessibility of the molecular probes tested (antibodies directed against Fn whole molecule and Fn cell-binding domain). Then, the effects of either electrodeposited Fn or oxidized Fn were validated by the resulting pre-osteoblast behavior. Electrodeposition reduced pre-osteoblasts' ability to remodel Fn coating on supports because of a partial modification of Fn conformation, which reduced accessibility to the cell-binding domain. Electrodeposited Fn also diminished α5 integrin secretion and clustering along the plasma membrane. However, the N-terminal extremity of Fn was not modified by electrodeposition as demonstrated by Staphylococcus aureus attachment after 3 h of culture on a specific domain localized in this region. Moreover, the number of pre-osteoblasts remains stable after 3 h culture on either adsorbed, oxidized, or electrodeposited Fn deposits. In contrast, mitochondrial activity and cell proliferation were significantly higher on adsorbed Fn compared with electrodeposited Fn after 48 h culture. Hence, electro-deposited Fn seems more favorable to pre-osteoblast early-stage behavior than during a longer culture of 24 h and 48 h. The electrodeposition of matrix proteins could be improved to maintain their bio-activity and to develop this promising, fast technique to bio-functionalize metallic implants.

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Among plant responses to environmentally induced stress modulating protein expression appears to be a key stage in inducible signaling. Our study was focused on an innovative strategy to stimulate plant stress resistance, namely, the use of targeted sequences of specific sound frequencies. The influence of acoustic stimulation on plant protein synthesis was investigated. In our study green peas, Pisum sativum, were cultured under hydric stress conditions with targeted acoustic stimulation. Acoustic sequences targeting dehydrins (DHN) which accumulate in plants in response to dehydration were studied. We experimented on pea seeding with two different sequences of sounds: the first one corresponded to DHN cognate protein and the second one was aimed at the DHN consensus sequence. Shoot elongation after pea seed germination was estimated by fresh weight gain studied in the presence of various conditions of exposure to both sequences of sounds. DHN expression in peas was quantified via ELISA tests and Western-blotting by using specific antibodies. A significant increase in fresh weight in peas grown under exposure to the DHN cognate sound sequence was observed, whereas the consensus sound sequence had no effect on growth. Moreover, the 37kDa DHN amount was increased in peas treated with the consensus acoustic sequence. These results suggest that the expression of DHN could be specifically modulated by a designed acoustic stimulus.

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Fibrin gels are of interest as biomaterials for regenerative medicine but present poor mechanical properties, undergo fast degradation and strongly contract in presence of cells. To face these drawbacks, a fibrin network can be associated with another polymer network, in an Interpenetrating Polymer Network (IPN) architecture. In this study, we report the properties of an IPN comprising a fibrin (Fb) network and a silk fibroin (SF) network. This IPN is synthesized through the action of 2 enzymes, each one being specific of one protein gelation, i.e. thrombin (Tb) for Fb gelation, and horseradish peroxidase (HRP) for SF gelation. The effective formation of both Fb and SF networks in an IPN architecture was first verified at qualitative and quantitative levels. The resulting IPN was easily manipulable, displayed high viscoelastic properties and showed homogeneous macro- and micro-structure. Then the degradability of the IPN by two proteases, thermolysin (TL) and trypsin (TRY), obeying different mechanisms was presented. Finally, two-dimensional culture of human fibroblasts on the IPN surface induced little material contraction, while fibroblasts showed healthy morphology, displayed high viability and produced mature extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. Taken together, the results suggest that this new IPN have a strong potential for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.

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Biomedical implants are an important part of evolving modern medicine but have a potential drawback in the form of postoperative pathogenic infection. Accordingly, the "race for surface" combat between invasive bacteria and host cells determines the fate of implants. Hence, proper in vitro systems are required to assess effective strategies to avoid infection. In this study, we developed a real time observation model, mimicking postoperative contamination, designed to follow E. coli proliferation on a titanium surface occupied by human osteoblastic progenitor cells (STRO). This model allowed us to monitor E. coli invasion of human cells on titanium surfaces coated and uncoated with fibronectin. We showed that the surface colonization of bacteria is significantly enhanced on fibronectin coated surfaces irrespective of whether areas were uncovered or covered with human cells. We further revealed that bacterial colonization of the titanium surfaces is enhanced in coculture with STRO cells. Finally, this coculture system provides a comprehensive system to describe in vitro and in situ bacterial and human cells and their localization but also to target biological mechanisms involved in adhesion as well as in interactions with surfaces, thanks to fluorescent labeling. This system is thus an efficient method for studies related to the design and function of new biomaterials.

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Bacterial adherence to the surface of implants functionalized with cell-adhesive biomolecules is a critical first step of infection development. This study was designed to determine how the immobilization of human plasmatic fibronectin (pFN) could impact bacterial and osteoblast cells interaction with the surface during concomitant exposition to the two cell-types. Calibrated suspensions of P. aeruginosa PAOI or S. aureus CIP4.83 bacteria and STRO-1+A osteoblast progenitor cells were mixed, co-seeded on glass coverslips coated or not with pFN and incubated at 37 °C. After 3 h of co-culture, the presence of bacteria did not modify the STRO-1+A cells adherence to glass. pFN coating significantly enhanced STRO-1+A cells, CIP4.83 and PAOI adherence to glass and bacterial interaction with STRO-1+A cells. Confocal laser scanning microscopy observations revealed that cells on the pFN-coated substrate exhibited a greater spreading, better organized network of cytoskeletal filaments, and an increased cellular FN expression than cells on the uncoated substrate. The use of fluorescently labeled pFN showed that adherent STRO-1+A cells were able to remodel and to concentrate coated pFN at the cells surface. Thus, the use of FN coating could increase the risk of bacterial adherence to the material surface, acting either directly onto the coating layer or indirectly on adherent osteoblastic cells. This may increase the infection risk in the presence of bacterial contamination.

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A novel synthetic method to synthesize hydroxyapatite/poly (D,L) lactic acid biocomposite is presented in this study by mixing only the precursors hydroxyapatite and (D,L) LA monomer without adding neither solvent nor catalyst. Three compositions were successfully synthesized with the weight ratios of 1/1, 1/3, and 3/5 (hydroxyapatite/(D,L) lactic acid), and the grafting efficiency of poly (D,L) lactic acid on hydroxyapatite surface reaches up to 84 %. Scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy showed that the hydroxyapatite particles were successfully incorporated into the poly (D,L) lactic acid polymer and X ray diffraction analysis showed that hydroxyapatite preserved its crystallinity after poly (D,L) lactic acid grafting. Differential scanning calorimetry shows that Tg of hydroxyapatite/poly (D,L) lactic acid composite is less than Tg of pure poly (D,L) lactic acid, which facilitates the shaping of the composite obtained. The addition of poly (D,L) lactic acid improves the adsorption properties of hydroxyapatite for fibronectin extracellular matrix protein. Furthermore, the presence of poly (D,L) lactic acid on hydroxyapatite surface coated with fibronectin enhanced pre-osteoblast STRO-1 adhesion and cell spreading. These results show the promising potential of hydroxyapatite/poly (D,L) lactic acid composite as a bone substitute material for orthopedic applications and bone tissue engineering.

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UNLABELLED: Several companies offer anatomically shaped breast implants but differences among manufacturers are often misunderstood. The shell texture is a crucial parameter for anatomically shaped implants to prevent rotation and to decrease the risk of capsular contracture, even though concerns have recently been raised concerning the complications associated with textured breast implants. The aim of this study was to characterize differences in terms of texture, cell adhesion, shape, and stiffness between some commonly used anatomically shaped implants from three different manufacturers. METHODS: Five commercially available anatomically shaped breast implants from 3 different manufacturers (Allergan, Mentor, and Sebbin) were used. Scanning electron microscopy, X-ray microtomography, and scanning mechanical microscopy were used to characterize the shell texture. Human fibroblast adhesion onto the shells was evaluated. 3D models of the implants were obtained using CT-scan acquisitions to analyze their shape. Implant stiffness was evaluated using a tractiometer. RESULTS: Major differences were observed in the topography of the textures of the shells, but this was not conveyed by a statistically significant fibroblast adhesion difference. However, fibroblasts adhered better on anatomically shaped textured implants than on smooth implants (p < 0.01). Our work pointed out differences in the Biocell® texture in comparison with older studies. The 3D analysis showed significant shape differences between the anatomically shaped implants of the 3 companies, despite similar dimensions. Implant stiffness was comparable among the 3 brands. CONCLUSIONS: Each texture had its specific topography, and this work is the first description of Sebbin anatomic breast implant texturation. Moreover, major discrepancies were found in the analysis of the Biocell® texture when comparing our results with previous reports. These differences may have clinical implications and are discussed. This study also highlighted major shape differences among breast implants from different manufacturers, which is quite counterintuitive. The clinical impact of these differences however needs further investigation. NO LEVEL ASSIGNED: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each submission to which Evidence-Based Medicine rankings are applicable. This excludes Review Articles, Book Reviews, and manuscripts that concern Basic Science, Animal Studies, Cadaver Studies, and Experimental Studies. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.

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Biomaterials capable of delivering controlled quantities of bioactive agents, while maintaining mechanical integrity, are needed for a variety of cell contacting applications. We describe here a nanotemplating strategy toward porous, polyelectrolyte-based thin films capable of controlled biomolecular loading and release. Films are formed via the layer-by-layer assembly of charged polymers and nanoparticles (NP), then chemically cross-linked to increase mechanical rigidity and stability, and finally exposed to tetrahydrofuran to dissolve the NP and create an intra-film porous network. We report here on the loading and release of the growth factor bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2), and the influence of BMP-2 loaded films on contacting murine C2C12 myoblasts. We observe nanotemplating to enable stable BMP-2 loading throughout the thickness of the film, and find the nanotemplated film to exhibit comparable cell adhesion, and enhanced cell differentiation, compared with a non-porous cross-linked film (where BMP-2 loading is mainly confined to the film surface).

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In tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, the conditions in the immediate vicinity of the cells have a direct effect on cells' behaviour and subsequently on clinical outcomes. Physical, chemical, and biological control of cell microenvironment are of crucial importance for the ability to direct and control cell behaviour in 3-dimensional tissue engineering scaffolds spatially and temporally. In this review, we will focus on the different aspects of cell microenvironment such as surface micro-, nanotopography, extracellular matrix composition and distribution, controlled release of soluble factors, and mechanical stress/strain conditions and how these aspects and their interactions can be used to achieve a higher degree of control over cellular activities. The effect of these parameters on the cellular behaviour within tissue engineering context is discussed and how these parameters are used to develop engineered tissues is elaborated. Also, recent techniques developed for the monitoring of the cell microenvironment in vitro and in vivo are reviewed, together with recent tissue engineering applications where the control of cell microenvironment has been exploited. Cell microenvironment engineering and monitoring are crucial parts of tissue engineering efforts and systems which utilize different components of the cell microenvironment simultaneously can provide more functional engineered tissues in the near future.

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Fibronectin (Fn) is widely reported to promote cell adhesion and spreading, and recent reports attest to the synergistic effect of coadsorbed albumin (unexpected due to the passivating character of the latter protein). In this study, the sequential adsorption of fibronectin and albumin, and the morphology of cultured MC3T3-E1 preosteoblastic cells are investigated on three important biomaterial surfaces: silicon oxide, poly(styrene) (PS), and hydroxyapatite (HA). Using quartz crystal microgravimetry with dissipation analysis, the adsorbed protein composition and mechanics are determined. Interestingly, cell morphological changes correlate neither with the amount of Fn nor the rigidity of the protein layer. On the PS surface, Alb is seen to significantly diminish cell spreading, possibly due to Alb aggregation with a partially denatured initially placed Fn layer. HA appears to be a particularly favorable substrate for osteoblast adhesion, despite having low Fn adsorption and protein layer rigidity.

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Cell adhesion and subsequent viability are critical initial steps in biomaterial-tissue integration and are strongly dependent on the material properties and the presence of matrix proteins. In the present study MC3T3-E1 osteoblast-like cell behavior on silicon oxide (SO) and poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) substrates has been examined, with a focus on the influence of the adhesive protein fibronectin and the non-adhesive protein albumin adsorbed on the substrates. Quartz crystal microgravimetry showed adsorption of fibronectin and albumin to be nearly identical on SO and PLLA. Subsequent exposure a previously adsorbed fibronectin layer to albumin decreased the rigidity of the adsorbed layer without any measurable increase in adsorbed mass. Cell adhesion and spreading were significantly enhanced on both SO and PLLA substrates coated with fibronectin or with fibronectin and albumin, compared with uncoated or albumin-coated substrates. The only statistically significant difference between the two substrates in these assays was increased spreading on PLLA compared with SO in the presence of fibronectin and albumin. Cell proliferation was significantly higher on SO compared with PLLA after 7 days culture, but depended on the presence of fibronectin only in the PLLA system. In contrast, mitochondrial activity was higher on PLLA than on SO, and was enhanced by fibronectin on both substrates. PLLA substrates coated with fibronectin and subsequently exposed to albumin exhibited the highest level of cell differentiation, as assayed via alkaline phosphatase activity. These results demonstrate the importance of adsorbed proteins on osteoblast-like cell-surface interactions.

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Nanofilm biomaterials, formed by the layer-by-layer assembly of charged macromolecules, are important systems for a variety of cell-contacting biomedical and biotechnological applications. Mechanical rigidity and bioactivity are two key film properties influencing the behavior of contacting cells. Increased rigidity tends to improve cells attachment, and films may be rendered bioactive through the incorporation of proteins, peptides, or drugs. A key challenge is to realize films that are simultaneously rigid and bioactive. Chemical cross-linking of the polymer framework--the standard means of increasing a film's rigidity--can diminish bioactivity through deactivation or isolation of embedded biomolecules or inhibition of film biodegradation. We present here a strategy to decouple mechanical rigidity and bioactivity, potentially enabling nanofilm biomaterials that are both mechanically rigid and bioactive. Our idea is to selectively cross-link the outer region of the film, resulting in a rigid outer skin to promote cell attachment, while leaving the film interior (with any embedded bioactive species) unaffected. We propose an approach whereby an N-hydroxysulfosuccinimide (sulfo-NHS) activated poly(L-glutamic acid) is added as the terminal layer of a multilayer film and forms (covalent) amide bonds with amino groups of poly(L-lysine) placed previously within the film. We characterize film assembly and cross-linking extent via quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring (QCMD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy in attenuated total reflection mode (FTIR-ATR), and laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM) and measure the attachment and metabolic activity of preosteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells. We show cross-linking to occur primarily at the film surface and the subsequent cell attachment and metabolic activity to be enhanced compared to native films. Our method appears promising as a means to realize films that are simultaneously mechanically rigid and bioactive.

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Hyaluronan is known to act as a filling material of extracellular matrices and as an adhesive substrate for cellular migration. Consequently, it is widely used in aesthetic medicine and surgery, and it would be expected to be used in nanomedicine. Previous clinical case reports associated hyaluronic acid implants to delayed immune-mediated adverse effects. A series of experiments to evaluate immune cell activation supported by this dermal filler and nanomedical biomaterial were performed. The study comprised a total of 12 individuals. Four healthy individuals, none with cosmetically injected dermal filler, were considered as control. Five individuals carried injections of hyaluronic acid dermal filler. Three individuals carried injections of hyaluronic acid dermal filler and presented delayed adverse effects related to the dermal filler. Hyaluronic acid-stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) produced low levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Phytohemagglutinine (PHA)-stimulated PBMC from patients with hyaluronic implants presenting adverse effects showed a slight increase in the production of interferon (IFN)-gamma and higher expression of CD25, CD69, or CD71. In conclusion, hyaluronic acid administration elicited a laboratory evidence of immune cell activation. Production of low levels of proinflammatory cytokines in vitro could be an observation for low-grade inflammation in vivo resulting in T cell activation.

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For more than 40 years, silicone implants had been employed in aesthetic, cosmetic medicine, and plastic surgery. Although adverse reactions produced by these products are rare, cases of immuno-mediated reactions have been reported. To evaluate the aspects of immuno-reactivity to medical-grade silicone dermal filler, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of 39 individuals were studied. PBMC used include individuals with silicone injection-related delayed adverse reactions, with silicone injections, and healthy control. Silicone induced production of TNF-alpha and IL-6 in all three groups. Notably, elevated production of IL-6 was observed in nonstimulated PBMC and also the percentage of CD4(+)CD69(+) T cells was higher in PHA-stimulated PBMC from individuals with silicone injection-related adverse reactions when compared with other two groups. However, IFN-gamma was not released in silicone-stimulated or silicone+LPS-stimulated PBMC from any group and no production of IL-2 was measured indicating no proliferative response of PBMC. Subsequently, no CD4(+)CD69(+) T cells were observed in these conditions. Finally, the inflammatory response in silicone-stimulated cultures of monocyte-derived macrophages with autologous lymphocytes is lesser than that observed in PBMC. In conclusion, silicone induces a release of proinflammatory cytokines but does not act as a polyclonal activator of CD4(+) T cells. Thus, silicone is mounting an immune response in individuals with silicone-related adverse effects but is not silicone antigen-dependent.

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Cell shape was found to be a strong indicator of whether individual cells grow or die, and may play an important role in controlling apoptosis as well as cell growth. We compared here the behaviour of rounded Swiss 3T3 cells aggregated on a cellulose cuprophan membrane to those cultured on dish polystyrene. We demonstrated that cells aggregated on cellulose substrates for up to 48 h underwent programmed cell death that was associated with phosphatidylserine flipping and caspase 9 and caspase 3 activation, suggesting a mitochondria-dependent apoptotic process. In addition, we found that this phenomenon cannot be entirely explained by disengagement of alpha 5 beta 1 integrin ligation.

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