Human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) have two main properties: pluripotency and self-renewal. Physical cues presented by biomaterial scaffolds can stimulate differentiation of hiPSCs to neurons. In this work, we develop and analyze a mathematical model of aggregate growth and neural differentiation on melt electrospun biomaterial scaffolds. An ordinary differential equation model of population size of each cell state (stem, progenitor, differentiated) was developed based on experimental results and previous literature. Analysis and numerical simulations of the model successfully capture many of the dynamics observed experimentally. Analysis of the model gives optimal parameter sets, that correspond to experimental procedures, to maximize particular populations. The model indicates that a physiologic oxygen level (~5%) increases population sizes compared to atmospheric oxygen levels (~21%). Model analysis also indicates that the optimal scaffold porosity for maximizing aggregate size is approximately 63%. This model allows for the use of mathematical analysis and numerical simulations to determine the key factors controlling cell behavior when seeded on melt electrospun scaffolds. / Graduate

Unlike thin tissues (e.g., skin) which has been successfully grown, growing thick tissues (e.g., bone and muscle) still exhibit certain limitations due to lack of nutrients (e.g., glucose and oxygen) feeding on cells in extracapillary space (ECS) region, or also known as scaffold in an in vitro static culture. The transport of glucose and oxygen into the cells is depended solely on diffusion process which results in a condition where the cells are deprived of adequate glucose and oxygen supply. This condition is termed as hypoxia and leads to premature cell death. Hollow fibre membrane bioreactors (HFMBs) which operate under perfusive cell culture conditions, have been attempted to reduce the diffusion limitation problem. However, direct sampling of glucose and oxygen is almost impossible; hence noninvasive methods (e.g., mathematical models) have been developed in the past. These models have defined that the glucose diffusivity in cell culture medium (CCM) is similar to the diffusivity in water; thus, they do not represent precisely the nutrient transport processes occurring inside the HFMB. In this research, we define glucose as our nutrient specie due to its limited published information with regard to its diffusivity values, especially one that corresponds to cell/tissue engineering (TE) experiments. A series of well-defined diffusion experiments are carried out with TE materials of varying pore size and shapes imbibed in water and CCM, namely, cellulose nitrate (CN) membrane, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membrane, poly(L-lactide) (PLLA) scaffold, poly(caprolactone) (PCL) scaffold and collagen scaffold. A diffusion cell is constructed to study the diffusion of glucose across these materials. The glucose diffusion across cell-free membranes and scaffolds is investigated first where pore size distribution, porosity and tortuosity are determined and correlated to the effective diffusivity. As expected, the effective diffusivity increases correspondingly with the pore size of the materials. We also observe that the effective glucose diffusivity through the pores of these materials in CCM is smaller than in water. Next, we seeded human osteoblast cells (HOSTE85) on the scaffolds for a culture period of up to 3 weeks. Similar to the first series of the diffusion experiments, we have attempted to determine the effective glucose diffusivity through the pores of the scaffolds where cells have grown at 37°C. The results show that cell growth changes the morphological structure of the scaffolds, reducing the effective pore space which leads to reduced effective diffusivity. In addition, the self-diffusion of glucose in CCM and water has also been determined using a diaphragm cell method (DCM). The results have shown that the glucose diffusivity in CCM has significantly reduced in comparison to the water diffusivity which is due to the larger dynamic viscosity of CCM. The presence of other components and difference in fluid properties of CCM may also contribute to the decrease. We finally employ our experimentally deduced effective diffusivity and self-diffusivity values into a mathematical model based on the Krogh cylinder assumption. The glucose concentration is predicted to be the lowest near the bioreactor outlet, or in the scaffold region, hence this region becomes a location of interest. The governing transport equations are non-dimensionalised and solved numerically. The results shown offer an insight into pointing out the important parameters that should be considered when one wishes to develop and optimise the HFMB design.

The overall goal of this study was to identify mineralized scaffolds which can serve as potential alternatives to bone graft substitutes intended for cleft palate repair. The aim of this preliminary study was to evaluate the role of fibrinogen (Fg) and nano-hydroxyapatite (nHA) in enhancing mineralization potential of polydioxanone (PDO) electrospun scaffolds. Scaffolds were fabricated by blending PDO:nHA:Fg in the following weight ratios: 100:0:0, 50:25:25, 50:50:0, 50:0:50, 0:0:100 and 0:50:50. Scaffolds were immersed in different simulated body fluids for 5 and 14 days to induce mineralization. The inclusion of fibrinogen induced sheet-like mineralization while individual fiber mineralization was noticed in its absence. Modified protocols of alizarin red staining and burn-out test were developed to quantify mineral content of scaffolds. After mineralization, 50:50:0 scaffolds were still porous and contained the most mineral. 50:25:25 scaffolds had the highest mineralization potential but lacked porosity. Therefore, it can be anticipated that these mineralized organic-inorganic electrospun scaffolds will induce bone formation.

HNSCC accounts for 7 percent of all new cancer occurrences. Despite currently available treatments, there continues to be a high mortality and recurrence rate in HNSCC. Well over 50 percent of all cancer patients receive chemotherapy as a standard treatment. However, only 5 percent of these cases have been shown to help with treatment of the disease. Formerly, two options were available for drug testing: in vivo animal models, and in vitro two-dimensional models. While in vivo models remain the most representative, their use is burdened by high costs, time constraints, and ethical concerns. 2D models are simple to use and cost effective, although they have been shown to produce inaccurate data regarding chemotherapeutic drug resistance due to their 2D arrangement and altered gene expression. Researchers for the past decade have been working to create 3D models that more accurately represent in vivo systems in order to evaluate chemotherapeutic efficacy and improve clinical outcomes. In line with this agenda, novel 3D head and neck cancer models were created out of electrospun synthetic polymers seeded with either HN6 or HN12 cancer cells. The models were then treated with chemotherapeutic drugs (either paclitaxel or cisplatin), and, after 72 hours, subjected to a live-dead assay in order to determine the cytotoxic effects of the drugs. 2D cultures of HN6 and HN12 were also and subject to a WST-1 assay after 72 hours. The results of the treated-scaffold assays were then compared to the results of the 2D culture assays, and, as predicted, the cancer cells in a 3D culture system proved to be more resistant to chemotherapeutic drugs. The underlying assumption for this study being that a 3D culture system based on precisely defined structural parameters would provide a practical environment to screen therapeutics for anti-cancer efficacy. To prove this, 3D scaffolds of three different fiber sizes were developed by electrospinning different concentrations of Poly(L-lactic acid) (“PLLA”) (55mg/ml, 115mg/ml, and 180mg/ml) onto a mandrel that was perforated to allow for increased porosity. The resultant small, medium, and large scaffolds were then subjected to concentrated hydrochloric acid (HCl) pretreatment in order to make them less hydrophobic. Different fiber diameters represented different ECM environments for both HN6 and HN12. It was proven that both cell types thrived best in small fibers (55mg/ml-115mg/ml) than in large fibers. It was also reaffirmed through live-dead anlaysis of cells seeded on 3D scaffolds and treated with IC90 values of cisplatin that the head and neck cancer cells were more resistant which is more representative to the 3D environment of cancer cells in vivo.

O Adenocarcinoma ductal pancreático (ADP) é o tumor pancreático mais comum e apresenta um dos piores prognósticos. A primeira alteração crítica que desencadeia o processo de progressão tumoral, é a ativação desregulada do gene KRAS, na qual está presente em 90% dos casos. Várias iniciativas terapêuticas buscaram como alvo direto a atividade da oncoproteína RAS, sem no entanto, obter resultados satisfatórios. Desta forma, a investigação de moléculas efetoras downstream às vias reguladas por RAS, poderiam resultar em estratégias mais eficazes. Dentre estas moléculas efetoras estão as MAPKs, que modulam diversos processos celulares essenciais para o desenvolvimento tumoral, onde a cascata RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK representa uma importante via canônica de transdução de sinais. A transdução de sinais desta via pode ser favorecida por proteínas conhecidas como proteínas de arcabouço, como SHOC2, funcionando como uma plataforma para ligação de RAS-RAF-1 e consequentemente potencializando sua ligação. KRAS, têm sido associado à regulação de vias metabólicas importantes, como a glicólise que interferem diretamente na capacidade de proliferação e sobrevivência celular, para o estabelecimento e manutenção da biologia tumoral. Assim, o objetivo deste trabalho foi investigar o papel da proteína SHOC2 na indução do estresse oxidativo e capacidade de sobrevivência de linhagens celulares de ADP. Foram realizados os ensaios de morte celular por apoptose, avaliação da capacidade clonogênica e quantificação dos níveis de glutationa e quantificação da produção de espécies reativas de oxigênio. As linhagens celulares MIA PaCa2 e PANC-1 apresentaram uma redução significativa da capacidade de formação de colônias. A taxa de apoptose induzida pelo tratamento com Gemcitabina não diferiu entre as linhagens modificadas para silenciar a função de SHOC2. No ensaio da quantificação dos níveis de glutationa e na produção de espécies reativas de oxigênio, os resultados não foram concordantes com o esperado. Para análise dos níveis proteicos de p-ERK1/2, podemos observar uma redução na sua expressão, mesmo se mostrando de maneira sutil. Os resultados sugerem que pode haver alguma relação entre o silenciamento de SHOC2, estresse oxidativo e sobrevivência, porém existem outras vias alternativas modulando este processo. / Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the most common pancreatic tumor and has one of the worst prognoses. The first critical change that triggers the process of tumor progression is the dysregulated activation of the KRAS gene, in which it is present in 90% of cases. Several therapeutic initiatives aimed directly at the activity of the RAS oncoprotein, without, however, obtaining satisfactory results. Thus, investigating downstream effector molecules on RAS-regulated pathways could result in more effective strategies. Among these effector molecules are MAPKs, which modulate several cellular processes essential for tumor development, where the RAS / RAF / MEK / ERK cascade represents an important canonical pathway for signal transduction. Signal transduction of this pathway may be favored by proteins known as scaffold proteins, such as SHOC2, serving as a platform for RAS-RAF-1 binding and hence potentiating its interaction. KRAS, have been associated with the regulation of important metabolic pathways, such as glycolysis, for the establishment and maintenance of tumor biology. Thus, the objective of this work was to investigate the role of SHOC2 in the induction of oxidative stress and survival capacity of ADP cell lines. Cell death assays were performed by apoptosis, and quantification of glutathione levels and the production of reactive oxygen species were performed. MIA PaCa2 and PANC-1 cell lines showed a reduction in colony formation capacity. Gemcitabine-mediated cell death by apoptosis has not been induced after SHOC2 knockdown. Also, the measurement of reactive oxygen species and quantification of glutathione levels did not reveal any change mediated by SHOC2. The analysis of ERK1 / 2 activation has shown a discrete reduction in its expression. The results suggest that there may be some relationship between SHOC2 silencing, oxidative stress and survival, but there are other alternative pathways modulating this process which needs claryfication.

A crescente demanda clínica para regeneração óssea tem dirigido esforços significativos para o desenvolvimento de novos biomateriais, incluindo aqueles aplicados em terapias baseadas em engenharia de tecidos. Neste contexto, os biovidros são considerados uma boa alternativa mas as suas propriedades mecânicas têm limitado a sua aplicação. Para melhorar tais propriedades sem afetar a biocompatibilidade, um novo material vitrocerâmico bioativo do sistema P2O5-Na2O-CaO-SiO2, chamado Biosilicato® com duas fases cristalinas (BioS-2P) foi desenvolvido. No entanto, os efeitos da adição das fases cristalinas sobre o comportamento biológico do BioS-2P ainda não foram estudados. Assim, os objetivos deste estudo foram investigar a capacidade do BioS-2P em induzir, in vitro, a diferenciação osteoblástica de células-tronco mesenquimais (CTMs); a capacidade do BioS-2P em aumentar, in vitro, a atividade dos osteoblastos em fase inicial de diferenciação (OBs) e osteoblastos da linhagem UMR-106 (UMRs); e a capacidade do BioS-2P em conduzir e induzir a neoformação óssea, in vivo, associado ou não a células. Células derivadas da medula óssea obtidas de fêmures de ratos foram cultivadas em meio de crescimento para obtenção de CTMs ou em meio osteogênico para obtenção de OBs. Essas células e UMRs foram cultivadas sobre discos de BioS-2P, Bioglass® 45S5 (45S5) e plástico de cultura (Controle) e utilizadas nas avaliações in vitro. Para as avaliações in vivo, defeitos de 5 mm criados em calotas de ratos foram implantados somente com arcabouços de BioS-2P ou com arcabouços de BioS-2P associados às CTMs ou aos OBs. Os dados foram comparados por teste não paramétrico de Kruskal-Wallis seguido pelo teste de Student Newman-Keuls, e o nível de significância adotado foi de 5%. As CTMs foram caracterizadas por apresentarem alta porcentagem de células expressando os marcadores de superfície CD29 e CD90 e baixa porcentagem expressando CD31, CD34, CD45 e CD106. A diferenciação osteoblástica das CTMs foi confirmada pela expressão dos genes marcadores da diferenciação osteoblástica fosfatase alcalina (ALP), runt-related transcriptor factor-2 (RUNX2), sialoproteína óssea (BSP) e osteocalcina (OC). CTMs cultivadas sobre discos de BioS-2P em meio não-osteogênico apresentaram diminuição da proliferação e aumento da atividade de ALP e da expressão dos genes marcadores da diferenciação osteoblástica ALP, RUNX2, osterix (OSX), proteína óssea morfogenética-4 (BMP-4), osteopontina (OPN) e OC, comprovando seu potencial osteoindutor similar ao 45S5. O BioS-2P foi capaz de aumentar a atividade de OBs e UMRs de maneira similar àqueles cultivados sobre o 45S5. OBs apresentaram diminuição na proliferação e aumento da atividade da ALP e da expressão dos genes marcadores da diferenciação osteoblástica RUNX2, OSX, BMP-4, OPN e OC. A análise em larga escala da expressão de mais de 23.000 genes mostrou que o BioS-2P induziu a sobre-expressão de genes envolvidos no aumento da atividade osteoblástica e a repressão de genes envolvidos na diminuição dessa atividade, em comparação com o Controle. Ao menos em parte, esse aumento da atividade osteoblástica foi atribuído à modulação das vias de sinalização proteíno-quinases ativadas por mitógenos (MAPK) e Wnt Canônica, e à modulação da expressão de microRNAs. UMRs crescidos sobre o BioS-2P corroboraram esses achados, pela capacidade em formar matriz mineralizada e por apresentarem aumento na expressão das proteínas ALP, RUNX2, dentin matrix protein-1 (DMP-1) e OPN. Arcabouços de BioS-2P (5 mm de diâmetro e 2 mm de altura com porosidade de 76 ± 5% e com tamanhos de poros variando entre 100 e 800 µm) implantados em defeitos na calota de ratos estimularam a formação de tecido ósseo, que ocorreu tanto na periferia como no interior dos defeitos e em íntimo contato com o material. A morfometria por microtomografia computadorizada não evidenciou qualquer diferença entre os parâmetros volume ósseo, volume ósseo/volume total, superfície óssea, superfície/volume ósseo, número de trabéculas, separação trabecular e espessura trabecular, avaliados na 4a, 8a e 12a semanas de implantação. As CTMs e os OBs foram carreados para os arcabouços de BioS- 2P (com eficiência de 90% e 81%, respectivamente) e essas células permaneceram nos defeitos por 14 dias. A combinação de arcabouços de BioS-2P com CTMs ou OBs, implantados por 8 semanas, resultou no mesmo padrão de formação óssea daquele observado para o arcabouço sem células. No entanto, essa combinação não resultou em aumento na quantidade de osso formado. Os resultados evidenciaram a capacidade do BioS-2P em induzir a diferenciação osteoblástica de CTMs e estimular a atividade osteoblástica de OBs, o que resultaria na neoformação óssea observada in vivo. No entanto, a combinação de BioS-2P com CTMs e OBs não foi capaz de aumentar a formação óssea e induzir o reparo dos defeitos ósseos. / The increasing clinical demand for bone regeneration has driven significant efforts to develop new biomaterials including those for tissue engineeringbased therapies. In this context, bioglasses emerges as a good alternative, but their use has been limited mainly due their poor mechanical properties. To improve these mechanical properties without affecting biocompatibility, a novel bioactive glass-ceramic of the P2O5-Na2O-CaO-SiO2 system, named Biosilicate® with two cristallyne phases (BioS-2P) was developed. However, the effects of these two phases on BioS- 2P biological behavior have not yet been evaluated. Thus, the aims of this study were to investigate the BioS-2P capability of inducing in vitro mesenquimal stem cell differentiation (MSC) towards osteoblasts; the BioS-2P capability to increase in vitro activity of osteoblasts derived from rat bone marrow at early stages of differentiation (OBs) and osteoblasts from rat cell line UMR- 106 (UMRs); and the BioS-2P capability to drive and induce bone formation in vivo, associated or not with cells. Bone marrow cells harvested from rat femurs were cultured either in growth media to obtain MSCs or in osteogenic media to obtain OBs. MSCs, OBs and UMRs were cultured on discs of BioS-2P, Bioglass® 45S5 (45S5) and tissue culture polystyrene (Control). For in vivo evaluations, 5-mm rat calvarial surgical defects were filled with BioS-2P with or without MSCs or OBs. Data were compared by non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis test followed by Student Newman- Keuls test and the significance level was set at 5%. MSCs were characterized by presenting high percentage of CD29 and CD90 surface markers and low percentage of CD31, CD34, CD45 and CD106 surface markers. Osteoblastic differentiation of MSCs was detected by gene expression of bone markers alkaline phosphatase (ALP), runt-related transcritption factor 2 (RUNX2), bone sialoprotein (BSP) and osteocalcin (OC). MSCs cultured on Bios-2P discs under non-osteogenic conditions exhibited a decrease on cell proliferation and an increase on ALP activity and gene expression of bone markers ALP, RUNX2, osterix (OSX), bone morphogenetic protein-4 (BMP-4), osteopontin (OPN) and OC, confirming its osteoinductive potential similar to 45S5. Also, BioS-2P increased the OBs and UMRs activity, similar to 45S5. OBs cultured on Bios-2P discs presented a decrease in cell proliferation and an increase on ALP activity and gene expression of bone markers RUNX2, OSX, BMP-4, OPN and OC. The large-scale analysis of over 23,000 genes showed that the BioS-2P induced overexpression of genes positively related to osteoblastic activity and repression of genes negatively related with its activity, compared with control. At least in part, the increase on OBs activity was associated to the modulation of two main signaling pathways, the mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPK) and the Canonical Wnt, and the modulation of microRNAs expression. These findings were corroborated by UMRs grown on BioS-2P, which produced mineralized matrix and exhibited increased expression of the ALP, RUNX2, dentin matrix protein-1 (DMP-1) and OPN proteins, than on control. BioS-2P scaffolds (5 mm diameter and 2 mm heigh, presenting 76 ± 5% of total porosity, with poros size ranging from 100 to 800 µm) implanted in calvarial defects promoted new bone formation in close contatc to BioS-2P, both on periphery and in the center of the defect. The computed microtomography morphometry showed no difference between the evaluated parameters bone volume, bone volume / total volume, bone surface, surface / bone volume, number of trabeculae, trabecular separation and trabecular thickness, measured at 4, 8 and 12 weeks. MSCs and OBs were seeded into the scaffold (with efficiency of incorporation 90% e 81%, respectively) and they remained on the defects for 14 days. After 8 weeks, the same pattern of bone formation was observed, however, the combination of BioS-2P with cells did not increase the amount of new bone. The results showed the BioS-2P ability to induce osteoblastic differentiation of MSCs and to stimulate osteoblastic activity, resulting in new bone formation in vivo. However, the combination of BioS-2P with MSCs and OBs was not able to increase bone formation and induce the repair of bone defects.

A Terapia Fotodinâmica (TFD) é uma modalidade de tratamento de câncer que consiste na interação de três componentes: fotossensibilizador (FS), luz para ativar o FS e o oxigênio presente nos tecidos. Os estudos da fototoxicidade e do potencial de agente terapêuticos utilizados no tratamento do câncer, dentre eles os FSs, são realizados utilizando culturas celulares bidimensionais (2D) ou modelos animais. No entanto, os modelos 2D apresentam limitações, como impossibilitar sinais tão importantes que ocorrem in vivo, dentre eles o contato célula-célula e célula-matriz. Além disso, busca-se reduzir cada vez mais o número de animais em pesquisas científicas. Diante dessas limitações, nos últimos 30 anos tem sido desenvolvidos métodos alternativos in vitro que possam mimetizar melhor as complexas estruturas e funcionalidade dos sistemas in vivo. O objetivo desse estudo foi desenvolver um modelo de cultura de células tridimensional (3D) e um modelo de plataforma de cultura microfluídica para avaliar a viabilidade de células de carcinoma humano (HEp-2) após aplicação da terapia fotodinâmica com hipericina. O modelo 3D foi produzido utilizando-se colágeno tipo I aniônico e a plataforma de cultura microfluídica foi produzida utilizando-se lâmina de plástico, que serviu como base para o adesivo biocompatível utilizado para delimitar o canal celular e o poliéster, servindo como uma espécie de tampa para os dois materiais. A caracterização do biomaterial utilizado no modelo 3D foi realizada pela determinação da porosidade e diâmetro dos poros por meio da Microscopia Eletrônica de Varredura (MEV) e por ensaios de citotoxicidade pelo método de difusão em ágar e pelo método do MTT (ISO 10993-5). Os ensaios de citotoxicidade comprovaram que o biomaterial utilizado é biocompatível e não causa nenhuma citotoxicidade as células. A viabilidade celular da linhagem HEp-2 foi acompanhada no modelo 2D e 3D durante 168 h (sete dias) utilizando o método do MTT e na plataforma microfluídica por 24 h através de microscopia de fluorescência com perfusão contínua de meio de cultura. Em ambos os modelos as células apresentaram-se capazes de se manter aderidas e em multiplicação. Nos ensaios fototóxicos realizados no modelo 3D por meio do método do MTT, observou-se que a viabilidade celular diminui à medida que se aumenta a concentração da hipericina, mantendo-se a dose de luz e o tempo de incubação constantes, sugerindo que as células HEp-2 em cultura 2D apresentaramse mais sensíveis à TFD do que as células em cultura 3D. Os ensaios fototóxicos na plataforma microfluídica mostraram através da análise das imagens de microscopia de fluorescência que o tipo de morte celular preponderante foi a apoptose. Portanto, os resultados apresentados sugerem que é possível a realização de estudos de terapia fotodinâmica no modelo de cultura tridimensional bem como na plataforma microfluídica de cultura de células. / Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) is a cancer treatment modality consisting of the interaction of three components: photosensitizer (PS), light to activate the PS and oxygen present in the tissues. The studies about the toxicity and potential of therapeutic agents used for cancer treatment, among them the PS, are performed using 2D cell cultures or animal models. However, the 2D models have several limitations, such as making it impossible that important signals which occur in vivo, such as cell-cell and cell-matrix contact occur. In addition, it is importatnt to reduce the number of animals in scientific research. Due of the limitations of the twodimensional cell culture models and the need to reduce the use of animals in research, in the last 30 years alternative in vitro methods have been developed which t can better mimic the complex structures and functionality of in vivo systems. Therefore, the objective of this study was to develop a three-dimensional (3D) cell culture model and a microfluidic culture platform model to evaluate the viability of human carcinoma cells (HEp-2) after photodynamic therapy with hypericin. The 3D support was produced using type I collagen and the microfluidic culture platform was produced using a plastic blade which served as the basis for the surgical adhesive, used to delimit the cell canal and the polyester, serving as a sort of cap for both materials. The characterization of the biomaterial used in the 3D model was performed by determination of the porosity and pore diameter by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and by cytotoxic assays using the agar diffusion method and the MTT method (ISO 10993-5). It was observed that the biomaterial used in the 3D model is biocompatible and does not cause any cytotoxicity to the cells. The cell viability of the HEp-2 cells was monitored in the 2D and 3D models for 168 h (seven days) using the MTT method and in the microfluidic platform for 24 h by fluorescence microscopy with continuous perfusion of culture medium. In both models the cells are able to remain adherent and in multiplication. In the phototoxic assays performed on the microfluidic platform, the analysis of fluorescence microscopy images showed that the preponderant cell death type was apoptosis. Results suggest that is possible to perform photodynamic therapy studies in the three-dimensional culture model as well as in the microfluidic cell culture platform.

Defeitos ósseos assumem importância na crescente prevalência de condições crônicas de saúde, agravando-se conforme o envelhecimento da população. O tratamento convencional baseia-se no transplante autólogo e abordagens extremamente invasivas. Uma proposta promissora é a obtenção de tecidos saudáveis em laboratórios utilizando suportes tridimensionais porosos (scaffolds) que atuarão como arcabouço para o crescimento e diferenciação de células tronco mesenquimais (CTMs) podendo ser otimizados para proporcionar adequada vascularização, uma importante característica na regeneração óssea. CTMs apresentam potencial de diferenciação, imunoregulação e angiogênese. O pico proteico F1 do soro do látex da seringueira Hevea brasiliensis apresenta importante atividade angiogênica e cicatrizante. O objetivo deste trabalho foi investigar a influência de scaffolds de policaprolactona (PCL) colonizados com CTMs na osteogênese experimental in vitro e in vivo (xenotransplante), a segurança e a influência do pico F1 do látex em cultura de CTMs aplicadas no scaffold de PCL e PCL reforçado com diferentes concentrações de grafeno (PCL/grafeno) na proliferação e diferenciação osteogênica. Para isso, as CTMs foram isoladas do tecido adiposo humano (ADSCs), caracterizadas por imunofenotipagem e diferenciação in vitro. Scaffolds de PCL, produzidos por técnica de manufatura aditiva, foram avaliados quanto ao potencial de adesão/viabilidade celular (ensaio MTT), diferenciação osteogênica (vermelho de alizarina) e potencial in vivo de osteointegração e osteoindução em defeito crítico de calvária avaliados por histologia e imunoistoquímica. O pico F1 do látex, em diferentes concentrações, foi avaliado em cultura de ADSCs e fibroblastos 3T3 quanto a citotoxicidade (MTT), potencial proliferativo (timidina-tritiada), migratório (scratch assay) e indução osteogênica (fosfatase alcalina). Scaffolds de PCL foram reforçados com grafeno (PCL/grafeno), revestidos com pico F1 (adsorção), avaliados quanto a viabilidade/proliferação celular (Alamar blue) e diferenciação osteogênica (fosfatase alcalina e vermelho de alizarina). A imunofenotipagem das ADSCs demonstrou baixa percentagem para marcadores negativos, alta para os positivos e diferenciação in vitro, comprovando o sucesso do isolamento e manutenção das ADSCs. O scaffold de PCL apresentou não-toxicidade e diferenciação osteogênica induzida pelo meio de cultura. Scaffolds de PCL, pré-colonizado e não colonizado com ADSCs, foram implantados em defeito crítico de calvária de ratos. O grupo que recebeu scaffolds com ADSCs humanas proporcionou melhor formação óssea no animal, com participação direta e indireta das ADSCs neste processo. Nos ensaios in vitro com o pico F1 (cultura 2D), observou-se estímulo proliferativo para as concentrações de 0.00001% e 0.0001%, além de maior percentagem de migração celular para as concentrações de 0.001%, 0.0001% e 0.00001%, diferentes do controle. Os scaffolds de PCL/grafeno demonstraram estimulo proliferativo quando colonizados por ADSCs e este estímulo foi ainda maior em scaffolds revestidos com F1, principalmente na concentração de 0.75% de grafeno. Embora o pico F1 não tenha potencializado a diferenciação osteogênico em cultura 2D, este estímulo foi observado em scaffolds revestidos com F1 com superior atividade da fosfatase alcalina. Este trabalho demonstrou sucesso no emprego de ADSCs humanas e scaffolds in vitro e in vivo (transplante xenogênico) para regeneração óssea, além de apresentar dois promissores produtos para engenharia tecidual como os scaffolds com reforço de grafeno em baixas concentrações e o pico proteico F1 na proliferação e diferenciação celular. / The increment of life expectancy and frequency of chronic diseases in the population has led to an increasing incidence of chronic bone defects. Conventional treatment is based on autologous transplantation, which depends on extremely invasive approaches. A promising proposal is to obtain healthy tissues in laboratories using porous three-dimensional matriz (scaffolds), which enable cellular growth and differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Scaffolds can be optimized to provide adequate vascularization, a critical event to bone regeneration. MSCs have potential for differentiation, immunoregulation and angiogenesis. F1 natural latex protein from Hevea brasiliensis rubber tree presents important angiogenic and healing activity. The objective of this work was to investigate the influence of pre-colonized polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffolds on experimental in vitro and in vivo osteogenesis (xenotransplantation) and also the safety and influence of F1 protein on MSCs seeded on PCL and PCL reinforced with different concentrations of graphene scaffolds (PCL/graphene) in cell proliferation and osteogenic differentiation. MSCs were isolated from human adipose tissue (ADSCs), characterized by positive and negative markers and also in vitro differentiation. PCL Scaffolds, produced by an additive manufacturing technique, were evaluated for cell adhesion/viability potential (MTT assay), osteogenic differentiation (alizarin red) and in vivo xenogenic grafting potential for osteointegration and osteoinduction evaluated by histology and immunohistochemistry. F1 latex protein, prepared in different concentrations, was evaluated in contact with ADSCs and 3T3 fibroblasts culture in vitro regarding to cytotoxicity (MTT), proliferative potential (tritiated thymidine), migratory (scratch assay) and osteogenic induction (alkaline phosphatase). PCL scaffolds were reinforced with graphene (PCL/graphene scaffolds), coated with F1 protein (adsorption) and evaluated for cell viability/proliferation assay (Alamar blue) and osteogenic differentiation (alkaline phosphatase and alizarin red). ADSCs showed low percentage for negative markers, high percentage for positive markers and differentiation properties in vitro, providing enough information on the successful isolation and maintenance of human ADSCs. PCL scaffolds showed non-toxicity activity and osteogenic differentiation induced by culture medium. PCL scaffolds, pre-colonized and non-colonized with ADSCs, were implanted in a critical calvarial defect in rats. The group of rats which received scaffolds with ADSCs to treat the bone defect had improved bone formation with direct and indirect participation of ADSCs to the bone repair process. To in vitro assays with F1 (2D culture model), proliferative stimulus was observed to F1 0.00001% and 0.0001% samples, in addition to a higher percentage of cell migration to 0.001% and 0.0001%, different from control. PCL/graphene scaffolds demonstrated proliferative stimulation when colonized by ADSCs and this stimulus was even higher to F1 coated PCL/graphene scaffolds, mainly to 0.75% graphene. Although F1 have not enhanced osteogenic differentiation on 2D cell culture model, the stimulus was observed to F1 coated scaffolds with higher alkaline phosphatase activity. This work demonstrated success in the use of ADSCs and scaffolds for bone regeneration and presented two promising products to be applied in tissue engineering field, such as, scaffolds with graphene reinforcement at low concentration and F1 latex protein to improve cell proliferation and differentiation.

Un substitut osseux hybride, composé d’un biomatériau support (scaffold) et de cellules vivantes, a été étudié, développé par la méthode d’ingénierie tissulaire et caractérisé. Il devait répondre aux attentes spécifiques de la chirurgie maxillofaciale : un protocole standard pouvant s’adapter aux géométries complexes des défauts osseux de chaque patient, une forme souple et manipulable, une pré-vascularisation et une cohésion mécanique suffisante. Une forme de feuillet fin et plat a ainsi été définie et développée au sein d’une chambre de culture parallélépipédique spécifique, en utilisant une monocouche de granules de phosphate de calcium comme support. Après une caractérisation biologique et mécanique complète à partir d’une lignée cellulaire, le procédé a été validé puis transposé à une coculture de cellules primaires humaines (cellules souches et endothéliales). La bonne différenciation et la pré-vascularisation ont été constatées mais le maintien mécanique pouvait être considéré comme insuffisant pour assurer une manipulation en cours d’opération chirurgicale. La dernière partie de ce travail de thèse a donc consisté dans la mise en place d’un montage de production de fibres électrospinnées et leur utilisation comme nouveau support de culture. La formation de ces matériaux a été rendue opérationnelle de façon optimale pour différents polymères. Leur potentiel en tant que scaffold favorisant la différenciation en os ou en tendon a été vérifié et comparé à d’autres matériaux fibreux obtenus dans le cadre de collaborations nationales et internationales. La faisabilité de l’application de sollicitations mécaniques aux substituts en cours de culture a également été étudiée. / An hybrid bone substitute, based on a specific biomaterial (scaffold) and living cells, was studied, developed with a tissue engineered method and characterized. It should meet the expectations of the maxillofacial surgery : a standard process which could fit with the complex geometries of each patient’s bone mass loss, a flexible shape with an easy handling, a prevascularization and a sufficient mechanical cohesion. A sheet-like shape was thus designed and developed in a specific flat cell culture chamber, with a monolayer of calcium phosphate granules as a scaffold. After both biological and mechanical full characterizations with a cell line, the process was adapted to a coculture of human primary cells (stem and endothelial cells). Relevant differentiation and prevascularization were highlighted but the mechanical cohesion could be noticed as too low to ensure an easy handling during the surgery. The last part of this thesis project was thus the set-up of a device for electrospun polymer fibers in order to use them as a new scaffold. The production of these materials was efficiently performed for several polymers. The differentiation potential for bone and tendon lineages was studied and compared to other scaffolds from national and international collaborations. The application of mechanical solicitations to the substitutes during cellculture was also studied.

Collagen scaffolds are porous structures which are used in bioreactors and in a wide range of tissue engineering applications. In these contexts, the scaffolds may be subjected to conditions in which fluid is forced through the structure and the scaffold is simultaneously compressed. It is clear that fluid transport within collagen scaffolds, and the inter-relationships between permeability, scaffold structure, fluid pressure and scaffold deformation are of key importance. However, these relationships remain poorly understood. In this thesis, a series of isotropic collagen structures were produced using a freeze-drying technique from aqueous slurry concentrations 0.5, 0.75 and 1 wt%, and fully characterised using X-ray micro-tomography and compression testing. It was found that collagen wt% influenced structural parameters such as pore size, porosity, relative density and mechanical properties. Percolation theory was used to investigate the pore interconnectivity of each scaffold. Structures with lower collagen fraction resulted in larger percolation diameters, but lower mechanical stiffness. Aligned collagen scaffolds were also produced by altering the freeze-drying protocol and using different types of mould materials and designs. It was found that a polycarbonate mould with stainless base resulted in vertically aligned structures with low angular variation. When compared with isotropic scaffolds from slurry of the same concentration, aligned scaffolds had a larger percolation diameter. Tortuosity was used as a mathematical tool to characterise the interconnected pathways within each porous structure. The effect of the size of the region of interest (ROI) chosen and the size of the virtual probe particle used in the analysis on the values of tortuosity calculated were determined and an optimised calculation methodology developed. Increasing the collagen fraction within isotropic scaffolds increased the tortuosity, and aligned structures had smaller tortuosity values than their isotropic counterparts. Permeability studies were conducted using two complementary experimental rigs designed to cover a range of pressure regimes and the results were compared with predictions from mathematical models and computational simulations. At low pressures, it was found that the lower collagen fraction structures, which had more open morphologies, had higher permeabilities. Alignment of the structure also enhanced permeability. The scaffolds all experienced deformation at high pressures resulting in a restriction of fluid flow. The lower collagen fraction scaffolds experienced a sharper decrease in permeability with increased pressure and aligned structures were more responsive to deformation than their isotropic counterparts. The inter-relationships between permeability, scaffold structure, fluid pressure and deformation of collagen scaffolds were explored. For isotropic samples, permeability followed a broad $(1- \epsilon)^2$ behaviour with strain as predicted by a tetrakaidecahedral structural model, with the constant of proportionality changing with collagen fraction. In contrast, the aligned structures did not follow this behaviour with the permeability dropping much more sharply in the early stages of compression. Open-cell polyurethane (PU) foams, sometimes used as dressings in wound healing applications, are often compared with collagen scaffolds in permeability models and were used in this thesis as a comparison structure. The foam had a higher permeability than the scaffolds due to its larger pore sizes and higher interconnectivity. In the light of the effects of compression on permeability, the changes in porous structure with compression were explored in isotropic and aligned 0.75 wt% scaffolds. Unlike the fluid flow experiments, these experiments were carried out in the dry state. Deformation in simple linear compression and in step-wise compression was studied, and the stress relaxation behaviour of the scaffolds characterised. A methodology was developed to characterise the structural changes accompanying compression using X-ray micro-tomography with an in situ compression stage. The methodology accounted for the need for samples to remain unchanged during the scan collection period for stable image reconstruction. The scaffolds were studied in uniaxial compression and biaxial compression and it was found that pore size and percolation diameter decreased with increasing compressive strain, while the tortuosity increased. The aligned structure was less affected than the isotropic at low compressions, in contrast to the results from the permeability study in which the aligned structure was more responsive to strain. This suggests that the degree of hydration may affect the structural changes observed. The insights gained in this study of the inter-relationships between microstructure, fluid dynamics and deformation in collagen scaffolds are of relevance to the informed design of porous structures for medical applications.