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Analysis of multicellular patterns is required to understand tissue organizational processes. By using a multi-scale object oriented image processing method, the spatial information of cells can be extracted automatically. Instead of manual segmentation or indirect measurements, such as general distribution of contrast or flow, the orientation and distribution of individual cells is extracted for quantitative analysis. Relevant objects are identified by feature queries and no low-level knowledge of image processing is required.
The extracellular environment of vascular cells in vivo is complex in its chemical composition, physical properties, and architecture. Consequently, it has been a great challenge to study vascular cell responses in vitro, either to understand their interaction with their native environment or to investigate their interaction with artificial structures such as implant surfaces. New procedures and techniques from materials science to fabricate bio-scaffolds and surfaces have enabled novel studies of vascular cell responses under well-defined, controllable culture conditions. These advancements are paving the way for a deeper understanding of vascular cell biology and materials–cell interaction. Here, we review previous work focusing on the interaction of vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs) and endothelial cells (ECs) with materials having micro- and nanostructured surfaces. We summarize fabrication techniques for surface topographies, materials, geometries, biochemical functionalization, and mechanical properties of such materials. Furthermore, various studies on vascular cell behavior and their biological responses to micro- and nanostructured surfaces are reviewed. Emphasis is given to studies of cell morphology and motility, cell proliferation, the cytoskeleton and cell-matrix adhesions, and signal transduction pathways of vascular cells. We finalize with a short outlook on potential interesting future studies.
Tumorzellen on the move : mikrosystem-basierter Assay zur Untersuchung der Tumorzellen-Migration
(2016)
Die Invasion von Tumorzellen in umliegendes Gewebe und die Bildung von Metastasen transformieren einen lokal wachsenden Tumor in eine systemische und lebensbedrohliche Krankheit mit schlechter Prognose. Dabei spielt die aktive Migration der Tumorzellen eine entscheidende Rolle. Tumorzellen gelangen durch die aktive Zellbewegung in das Lymph- oder Blutsystem und breiten sich im Körper aus. Bei der Invasion in ein neues Organ migrieren die Zellen ebenfalls wieder in komplexer Weise durch das Gewebe und können schließlich dort Metastasen bilden. Auf Grund der enormen medizinischen Relevanz der Tumorzell-Invasion, wird die Bewegung von Tumorzellen seit Jahrzehnten unter Laborbedingungen umfassend untersucht und ist ein wichtiger Marker für die Aggressivität der Tumorzellen. Zur Bewegungsanalyse gibt es mehrere experimentelle und auch kommerziell erhältliche in-vitro Untersuchungsmethoden. Ziel des interdisziplinären Projektes „MigChip“ ist die Entwicklung, Herstellung und experimentelle Validierung eines Mikrofludik-Chips zur verbesserten, detailgenauen in-vitro Untersuchung der Tumorzellen-Migration.
Adapting characteristics of biomaterials specifically for in vitro and in vivo applications is becoming increasingly important in order to control interactions between material and biological systems. These complex interactions are influenced by surface properties like chemical composition, charge, mechanical and topographic attributes. In many cases it is not useful or even not possible to alter the base material but changing surface, to improve biocompatibility or to make surfaces bioactive, may be achieved by thin coatings. An already established method is the coating with polyelectrolyte multilayers (PEM). To adjust adhesion, proliferation and improve vitality of certain cell types, we modified the roughness of PEM coatings. We included different types nanoparticles (NP’s) in different concentrations into PEM coatings for controlling surface roughness. Surface properties were characterized and the reaction of 3 different cell types on these coatings was tested.
Knee osteoarthritis is a common complication and can lead to total loss of joint function in patients. Treatment by either partial or total knee replacement with appropriate UHMWPE based implantsis highly invasive, may cause complications and may show unsatisfying results. Alternatively, treatment may be done by insertion of an elastic interpositional knee spacer with optimized material characteristics.
We report the development of high performance polyurethane-based polymers modified with bioactive molecules for fabrication of such knee spacers. In order to tailor mechanical and tribological properties and to improve resist to enzymatic degradation we propose a core-shell model for the spacer with specifically adapted properties.