@article{TungMaringXuetal.2022, author = {Tung, Wing Tai and Maring, Janita A. and Xu, Xun and Liu, Yue and Becker, Matthias and Somesh, Dipthi Bachamanda and Klose, Kristin and Wang, Weiwei and Sun, Xianlei and Ullah, Imran and Kratz, Karl and Neffe, Axel T. and Stamm, Christof and Ma, Nan and Lendlein, Andreas}, title = {In vivo performance of a cell and factor free multifunctional fiber mesh modulating postinfarct myocardial remodeling}, series = {Advanced Functional Materials}, volume = {32}, journal = {Advanced Functional Materials}, number = {31}, publisher = {Wiley}, address = {Weinheim}, issn = {1616-301X}, doi = {10.1002/adfm.202110179}, pages = {17}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Guidance of postinfarct myocardial remodeling processes by an epicardial patch system may alleviate the consequences of ischemic heart disease. As macrophages are highly relevant in balancing immune response and regenerative processes their suitable instruction would ensure therapeutic success. A polymeric mesh capable of attracting and instructing monocytes by purely physical cues and accelerating implant degradation at the cell/implant interface is designed. In a murine model for myocardial infarction the meshes are compared to those either coated with extracellular matrix or loaded with induced cardiomyocyte progenitor cells. All implants promote macrophage infiltration and polarization in the epicardium, which is verified by in vitro experiments. 6 weeks post-MI, especially the implantation of the mesh attenuates left ventricular adverse remodeling processes as shown by reduced infarct size (14.7\% vs 28-32\%) and increased wall thickness (854 mu m vs 400-600 mu m), enhanced angiogenesis/arteriogenesis (more than 50\% increase compared to controls and other groups), and improved heart function (ejection fraction = 36.8\% compared to 12.7-31.3\%). Upscaling as well as process controls is comprehensively considered in the presented mesh fabrication scheme to warrant further progression from bench to bedside.}, language = {en} } @article{NieWangXuetal.2021, author = {Nie, Yan and Wang, Weiwei and Xu, Xun and Ma, Nan and Lendlein, Andreas}, title = {The response of human induced pluripotent stem cells to cyclic temperature changes explored by BIO-AFM}, series = {MRS advances : a journal of the Materials Research Society (MRS)}, volume = {6}, journal = {MRS advances : a journal of the Materials Research Society (MRS)}, number = {31}, publisher = {Springer}, address = {Cham}, issn = {2059-8521}, doi = {10.1557/s43580-021-00110-4}, pages = {745 -- 749}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) are highly sensitive to extrinsic physical and biochemical signals from their extracellular microenvironments. In this study, we analyzed the effect of cyclic temperature changes on hiPSCs behaviors, especially by means of scanning force microscopy (BIO-AFM). The alternation in cellular mechanics, as well as the secretion and pattern of deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) protein in hiPSCs were evaluated. The arrangement of the actin cytoskeleton changed with the variation of the temperature. The rearranged cytoskeleton architecture led to the subsequent changes in cell mechanics (Young's modulus of hiPSCs). With the exposure to the cyclic cold stimuli, an increase in the average surface roughness (Ra) and roughness mean square (RMS) was detected. This observation might be at least in part due to the upregulated secretion of Laminin alpha 5 during repeated temporary cooling. The expression of pluripotent markers, NANOG and SOX2, was not impaired in hiPSCs, when exposed to the cyclic cold stimuli for 24 h. Our findings provide an insight into the effect of temperature on the hiPSC behaviors, which may contribute to a better understanding of the application of locally controlled therapeutic hypothermia.}, language = {en} } @article{XuNieWangetal.2021, author = {Xu, Xun and Nie, Yan and Wang, Weiwei and Ma, Nan and Lendlein, Andreas}, title = {Periodic thermomechanical modulation of toll-like receptor expression and distribution in mesenchymal stromal cells}, series = {MRS communications / a publication of the Materials Research Society}, volume = {11}, journal = {MRS communications / a publication of the Materials Research Society}, number = {4}, publisher = {Springer}, address = {Berlin}, issn = {2159-6859}, doi = {10.1557/s43579-021-00049-5}, pages = {425 -- 431}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Toll-like receptor (TLR) can trigger an immune response against virus including SARS-CoV-2. TLR expression/distribution is varying in mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) depending on their culture environments. Here, to explore the effect of periodic thermomechanical cues on TLRs, thermally controlled shape-memory polymer sheets with programmable actuation capacity were created. The proportion of MSCs expressing SARS-CoV-2-associated TLRs was increased upon stimulation. The TLR4/7 colocalization was promoted and retained in the endoplasmic reticula. The TLR redistribution was driven by myosin-mediated F-actin assembly. These results highlight the potential of boosting the immunity for combating COVID-19 via thermomechanical preconditioning of MSCs.}, language = {en} } @article{DengWangXuetal.2021, author = {Deng, Zijun and Wang, Weiwei and Xu, Xun and Ma, Nan and Lendlein, Andreas}, title = {Polydopamine-based biofunctional substrate coating promotes mesenchymal stem cell migration}, series = {MRS advances : a journal of the Materials Research Society (MRS)}, volume = {6}, journal = {MRS advances : a journal of the Materials Research Society (MRS)}, number = {31}, publisher = {Springer Nature Switzerland AG}, address = {Cham}, issn = {2059-8521}, doi = {10.1557/s43580-021-00091-4}, pages = {739 -- 744}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Rapid migration of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) on device surfaces could support in vivo tissue integration and might facilitate in vitro organoid formation. Here, polydopamine (PDA) is explored as a biofunctional coating to effectively promote MSC motility. It is hypothesized that PDA stimulates fibronectin deposition and in this way enhances integrin-mediated migration capability. The random and directional cell migration was investigated by time-lapse microscopy and gap closure assay respectively, and analysed with softwares as computational tools. A higher amount of deposited fibronectin was observed on PDA substrate, compared to the non-coated substrate. The integrin beta 1 activation and focal adhesion kinase (FAK) phosphorylation at Y397 were enhanced on PDA substrate, but the F-actin cytoskeleton was not altered, suggesting MSC migration on PDA was regulated by integrin initiated FAK signalling. This study strengthens the biofunctionality of PDA coating for regulating stem cells and offering a way of facilitating tissue integration of devices.}, language = {en} } @misc{DengWangXuaetal.2020, author = {Deng, Zijun and Wang, Weiwei and Xua, Xun and Gould, Oliver E. C. and Kratz, Karl and Ma, Nan and Lendlein, Andreas}, title = {Polymeric sheet actuators with programmable bioinstructivity}, series = {Zweitver{\"o}ffentlichungen der Universit{\"a}t Potsdam : Mathematisch-Naturwissenschaftliche Reihe}, journal = {Zweitver{\"o}ffentlichungen der Universit{\"a}t Potsdam : Mathematisch-Naturwissenschaftliche Reihe}, number = {4}, issn = {1866-8372}, doi = {10.25932/publishup-51549}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus4-515490}, pages = {9}, year = {2020}, abstract = {Stem cells are capable of sensing and processing environmental inputs, converting this information to output a specific cell lineage through signaling cascades. Despite the combinatorial nature of mechanical, thermal, and biochemical signals, these stimuli have typically been decoupled and applied independently, requiring continuous regulation by controlling units. We employ a programmable polymer actuator sheet to autonomously synchronize thermal and mechanical signals applied to mesenchymal stem cells (MSC5). Using a grid on its underside, the shape change of polymer sheet, as well as cell morphology, calcium (Ca2+) influx, and focal adhesion assembly, could be visualized and quantified. This paper gives compelling evidence that the temperature sensing and mechanosensing of MSC5 are interconnected via intracellular Ca2+. Up-regulated Ca2+ levels lead to a remarkable alteration of histone H3K9 acetylation and activation of osteogenic related genes. The interplay of physical, thermal, and biochemical signaling was utilized to accelerate the cell differentiation toward osteogenic lineage. The approach of programmable bioinstructivity provides a fundamental principle for functional biomaterials exhibiting multifaceted stimuli on differentiation programs. Technological impact is expected in the tissue engineering of periosteum for treating bone defects.}, language = {en} } @article{DengWangXuaetal.2020, author = {Deng, Zijun and Wang, Weiwei and Xua, Xun and Gould, Oliver E. C. and Kratz, Karl and Ma, Nan and Lendlein, Andreas}, title = {Polymeric sheet actuators with programmable bioinstructivity}, series = {PNAS}, volume = {117}, journal = {PNAS}, number = {4}, publisher = {National Academy of Sciences}, address = {Washington, DC}, issn = {1091-6490}, doi = {10.1073/pnas.1910668117}, pages = {1895 -- 1901}, year = {2020}, abstract = {Stem cells are capable of sensing and processing environmental inputs, converting this information to output a specific cell lineage through signaling cascades. Despite the combinatorial nature of mechanical, thermal, and biochemical signals, these stimuli have typically been decoupled and applied independently, requiring continuous regulation by controlling units. We employ a programmable polymer actuator sheet to autonomously synchronize thermal and mechanical signals applied to mesenchymal stem cells (MSC5). Using a grid on its underside, the shape change of polymer sheet, as well as cell morphology, calcium (Ca2+) influx, and focal adhesion assembly, could be visualized and quantified. This paper gives compelling evidence that the temperature sensing and mechanosensing of MSC5 are interconnected via intracellular Ca2+. Up-regulated Ca2+ levels lead to a remarkable alteration of histone H3K9 acetylation and activation of osteogenic related genes. The interplay of physical, thermal, and biochemical signaling was utilized to accelerate the cell differentiation toward osteogenic lineage. The approach of programmable bioinstructivity provides a fundamental principle for functional biomaterials exhibiting multifaceted stimuli on differentiation programs. Technological impact is expected in the tissue engineering of periosteum for treating bone defects.}, language = {en} } @article{DengWangXuetal.2020, author = {Deng, Zijun and Wang, Weiwei and Xu, Xun and Ma, Nan and Lendlein, Andreas}, title = {Modulation of mesenchymal stem cell migration using programmable polymer sheet actuators}, series = {MRS advances}, volume = {5}, journal = {MRS advances}, number = {46-47}, publisher = {Cambridge Univ. Press}, address = {New York}, issn = {2059-8521}, doi = {10.1557/adv.2020.235}, pages = {2381 -- 2390}, year = {2020}, abstract = {Recruitment of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to damaged tissue is a crucial step to modulate tissue regeneration. Here, the migration of human adipose-derived stem cells (hADSCs) responding to thermal and mechanical stimuli was investigated using programmable shape-memory polymer actuator (SMPA) sheets. Changing the temperature repetitively between 10 and 37 degrees C, the SMPA sheets are capable of reversibly changing between two different pre-defined shapes like an artificial muscle. Compared to non-actuating sheets, the cells cultured on the programmed actuating sheets presented a higher migration velocity (0.32 +/- 0.1 vs. 0.57 +/- 0.2 mu m/min). These results could motivate the next scientific steps, for example, to investigate the MSCs pre-loaded in organoids towards their migration potential.}, language = {en} } @article{ZouWangNeffeetal.2017, author = {Zou, Jie and Wang, Weiwei and Neffe, Axel T. and Xu, Xun and Li, Zhengdong and Deng, Zijun and Sun, Xianlei and Ma, Nan and Lendlein, Andreas}, title = {Adipogenic differentiation of human adipose derived mesenchymal stem cells in 3D architectured gelatin based hydrogels (ArcGel)}, series = {Clinical hemorheology and microcirculation : blood flow and vessels}, volume = {67}, journal = {Clinical hemorheology and microcirculation : blood flow and vessels}, number = {3-4}, publisher = {IOS Press}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {1386-0291}, doi = {10.3233/CH-179210}, pages = {297 -- 307}, year = {2017}, abstract = {Polymeric matrices mimicking multiple functions of the ECM are expected to enable a material induced regeneration of tissues. Here, we investigated the adipogenic differentiation of human adipose derived mesenchymal stem cells (hADSCs) in a 3D architectured gelatin based hydrogel (ArcGel) prepared from gelatin and L-lysine diisocyanate ethyl ester (LDI) in an one-step process, in which the formation of an open porous morphology and the chemical network formation were integrated. The ArcGel was designed to support adipose tissue regeneration with its 3D porous structure, high cell biocompatibility, and mechanical properties compatible with human subcutaneous adipose tissue. The ArcGel could support initial cell adhesion and survival of hADSCs. Under static culture condition, the cells could migrate into the inner part of the scaffold with a depth of 840 +/- 120 mu m after 4 days, and distributed in the whole scaffold (2mm in thickness) within 14 days. The cells proliferated in the scaffold and the fold increase of cell number after 7 days of culture was 2.55 +/- 0.08. The apoptotic rate of hADSCs in the scaffold was similar to that of cells maintained on tissue culture plates. When cultured in adipogenic induction medium, the hADSCs in the scaffold differentiated into adipocytes with a high efficiency (93 +/- 1\%). Conclusively, this gelatin based 3D scaffold presented high cell compatibility for hADSC cultivation and differentiation, which could serve as a potential implant material in clinical applications for adipose tissue reparation and regeneration.}, language = {en} } @article{LiXuWangetal.2017, author = {Li, Zhengdong and Xu, Xun and Wang, Weiwei and Kratz, Karl and Sun, Xianlei and Zou, Jie and Deng, Zijun and Jung, Friedrich Wilhelm and Gossen, Manfred and Ma, Nan and Lendlein, Andreas}, title = {Modulation of the mesenchymal stem cell migration capacity via preconditioning with topographic microstructure}, series = {Clinical hemorheology and microcirculation : blood flow and vessels}, volume = {67}, journal = {Clinical hemorheology and microcirculation : blood flow and vessels}, publisher = {IOS Press}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {1386-0291}, doi = {10.3233/CH-179208}, pages = {267 -- 278}, year = {2017}, abstract = {Controlling mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) behavior is necessary to fully exploit their therapeutic potential. Various approaches are employed to effectively influence the migration capacity of MSCs. Here, topographic microstructures with different microscale roughness were created on polystyrene (PS) culture vessel surfaces as a feasible physical preconditioning strategy to modulate MSC migration. By analyzing trajectories of cells migrating after reseeding, we demonstrated that the mobilization velocity of human adipose derived mesenchymal stem cells (hADSCs) could be promoted by and persisted after brief preconditioning with the appropriate microtopography. Moreover, the elevated activation levels of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) in hADSCs were also observed during and after the preconditioning process. These findings underline the potential enhancement of in vivo therapeutic efficacy in regenerative medicine via transplantation of topographic microstructure preconditioned stem cells.}, language = {en} } @article{NieWangXuetal.2019, author = {Nie, Yan and Wang, Weiwei and Xu, Xun and Zou, Jie and Bhuvanesh, Thanga and Schulz, Burkhard and Ma, Nan and Lendlein, Andreas}, title = {Enhancement of human induced pluripotent stem cells adhesion through multilayer laminin coating}, series = {Clinical hemorheology and microcirculation : blood flow and vessels}, volume = {70}, journal = {Clinical hemorheology and microcirculation : blood flow and vessels}, number = {4}, publisher = {IOS Press}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {1386-0291}, doi = {10.3233/CH-189318}, pages = {531 -- 542}, year = {2019}, abstract = {Bioengineered cell substrates are a highly promising tool to govern the differentiation of stem cells in vitro and to modulate the cellular behavior in vivo. While this technology works fine for adult stem cells, the cultivation of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) is challenging as these cells typically show poor attachment on the bioengineered substrates, which among other effects causes substantial cell death. Thus, very limited types of surfaces have been demonstrated suitable for hiPSC cultures. The multilayer coating approach that renders the surface with diverse chemical compositions, architectures, and functions can be used to improve the adhesion of hiPSCs on the bioengineered substrates. We hypothesized that a multilayer formation based on the attraction of molecules with opposite charges could functionalize the polystyrene (PS) substrates to improve the adhesion of hiPSCs. Polymeric substrates were stepwise coated, first with dopamine to form a polydopamine (PDA) layer, second with polylysine and last with Laminin-521. The multilayer formation resulted in the variation of hydrophilicity and chemical functionality of the surfaces. Hydrophilicity was detected using captive bubble method and the amount of primary and secondary amines on the surface was quantified by fluorescent staining. The PDA layer effectively immobilized the upper layers and thereby improved the attachment of hiPSCs. Cell adhesion was enhanced on the surfaces coated with multilayers, as compared to those without PDA and/or polylysine. Moreover, hiPSCs spread well over this multilayer laminin substrate. These cells maintained their proliferation capacity and differentiation potential. The multilayer coating strategy is a promising attempt for engineering polymer-based substrates for the cultivation of hiPSCs and of interest for expanding the application scope of hiPSCs.}, language = {en} }