Society for Biomaterials: Biomaterial Applications: Cardiovascular Biomaterials
Program Organizers: Jessica Jennings, University of Memphis; Guillermo Ameer, Northwestern University; Danielle Benoit, University of Rochester; Jordon Gilmore, Clemson University

Monday 8:00 AM
October 10, 2022
Room: 316
Location: David L. Lawrence Convention Center

Session Chair: Guillermo Ameer, Northwestern University


8:00 AM  Invited
Development of a Microfluidic Blood-Vessel-on-Chip Model: Shaurya Prakash1; 1The Ohio State University
    We have developed a 3D microfluidic model of a bifurcating vessel to evaluate the effect of electric fields (EF) on regulating endothelial permeability when co-applied with physiologically relevant fluid forces. The microfluidic vessel model also presents a capillary-vessel-soft tissue interface by using a collagen chamber. Therefore, this vessel model captures several key features of an in vivo capillary. In this presentation, I will report on the application of a EF simultaneously with flow to observe a 4-fold increase in endothelial permeability compared to the static control. Using EF to control endothelial permeability provides a potential new way to manipulate angiogenic responses for use in advanced wound therapies. Moreover, the observed increase in endothelial permeability due to combined EF and flow was transient and dependent on the Akt signaling. Collectively, these findings provide significant new insights into how the endothelium serves as an electro-mechanical interface for regulating vessel permeability.

8:30 AM  
Development of Tissue-Specific, Perfusable Vasculature in Microphysiological Systems: Kevin Ling1; Arvind Srivatsava1; Kannan Mannian1; James McGrath1; Ruchira Singh1; Danielle Benoit1; 1University of Rochester
    Advances in tissue engineering and tissue chip technology have catalyzed the rise of microphysiological systems (MPS) as an alternative to animal models for preclinical testing. MPS for vascularized tissues either forego perfused microvasculature or rely on oversimplified endothelial cell-lined fluidic channels. Microvascular tissues are 3D and have tissue specific molecular transport, angioarchitectural, and paracrine-tissue crosstalk properties. Previously, we developed an engineered extracellular matrix (eECM) comprised of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) hydrogels crosslinked with matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-degradable peptides and functionalized with Arginine-Glycine-Aspartic Acid (RGD) cell adhesive ligands that supports vasculogenesis. We introduced this vasculogenic eECM into a novel MPS designed for microvascular network development. Specifically, we explored pressure/flow and eECM biophysical and biochemical cues to guide the development of in vivo-like perfusable microvasculature specific to bone, salivary gland, and the retina. We validated tissue specific angioarchitecture, perfusion, and paracrine crosstalk using immunohistochemistry, microsphere tracking, and western blot analysis.

8:50 AM  
Platinum Wire-based Aptasensors Exploiting Self-assembled Monolayer (SAM) Components for Cardiac Biomarker Detection: Prashant Kumta1; Mitali Patil1; Sangeetha Kunjukunju1; John Ohodnicki1; 1University of Pittsburgh
    Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death, impacting 92.1 million Americans. CVDs are clinically silent until complications arise and thus are undetected or misdiagnosed. While impedimetric biosensors demonstrate great potential for rapid screening and early detection, optimizing the self-assembled monolayer for tethering the biological detection element to avoid non-specific interference is essential. This research presents optimization of the biosensing platform using aptamer-functionalized platinum wires and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy for detecting two Troponin T and Brain Natriuretic Peptide biomarkers vital for screening myocardial infarction and congestive heart failure conditions. Optimal incubation times, concentrations, and functionalization layer combinations required for biosensing of biomarkers were assessed. Results demonstrate the significance of each functionalized layer, optimal time and concentration of each layer, and the role of each layer in mitigating non-specific interference, thus illustrating the universal potential of this biosensor for rapid screening of CVD and other diseases.

9:10 AM  
Additive Manufacturing and Characterization of Stimuli-Responsive Biomaterials for Cardiovascular Stents: Hamid Ikram1; Ans Al Rashid1; Muammer Koc1; 1Hamad Bin Khalifa University
    Current approach used to treat coronary artery spasms involves placement of stents made up of metals and alloys. However, post-surgical complications arise, requiring secondary surgical procedures for stent replacement. Therefore, we propose using innovative polymeric materials for cardiovascular stents to avoid these problems, which can be actuated remotely to adjust lumen space without post-surgical interventions. In addition, advanced manufacturing processes can be used to fabricate complex stent structures rapidly, precisely at lower costs. In this study, novel polymer nanocomposites with polymethyl-metha-acrylate (PMMA) based photosensitive resin as base material and iron oxide (Fe2O3) as stimuli-responsive media are synthesized with varying metallic nanoparticle content. A low-cost 3D printing (3DP) process was used to fabricate structures with synthesized polymer nanocomposite solutions. The 3D-printed structures were analyzed for their sensitivity to magnetic field and stand-off distances at different metallic nanoparticle concentrations using an electromagnetic circuit to generate a magnetic field in a controlled environment.

9:30 AM  Invited
Combinatorial Approaches to Blood Contacting Materials: Christopher Siedlecki1; Lichong Xu1; 1Penn State College of Medicine
    Infection and thrombosis remain significant problems for the successful use of implanted medical devices. Proteins, platelets and bacteria all interact with surfaces, the latter two indirectly via interactions with an adsorbed protein layer on the device surface. We have developed a strategy for addressing these problems that utilizes a combination of sub-micron surface textures along with nitric oxide release from small molecules physically trapped within a variety of biomedical polymer materials. Benchtop experiments show reductions in the numbers of bacteria and platelets attached to the surface, in the initiation of the coagulation cascade as well as significant reductions in the development of mature biofilms on the material surface. In this presentation, we will discuss the strategy, present results showing affects of this combinatorial approach on both thrombus formation and infection, and provide insight into the molecular mechanisms behind this approach.

10:00 AM Break

10:20 AM  
Exploring Single Electrospun PLGA Fiber Mechanics and Fiber Mat Applications in Cardiac Bioengineering: Lihua Lou1; Tanaji Paul1; Alberto Rubfiaro1; Jin He1; Arvind Agarwal1; 1Florida International University
    The application of flexible submicron fibers as biomedical scaffolds depends on their biocompatible/biodegradable features and critical mechanical roles in maintaining bio- homeostasis and functions. Although attempts to measure single fiber mechanics have been made, an approach to observe and understand adhesion behavior in real-time while subjected to mechanical loading is poorly understood. Using a high-resolution camera, we developed an in-situ technique to measure and observe fiber adhesion behavior in dry and wet conditions to mimic bio- environments. We hypothesized the correlation between the mechanical properties of fiber and cell/soft biological tissues. Additionally, the applications of aligned or random-distributed fiber mat in cardiac bioengineering are investigated. We comprehensively analyzed the influences of fiber distribution on cardiomyocyte synchronization and beating mechanics. We precisely examined a bio-friendly material’s mechanical properties and disclosed its profound and striking roles in cardiac bioengineering.

10:40 AM  
Three-dimensional (3D) Iron Oxide Nanoparticles via Green Synthesis: A Review on Their Synthesis and Antibacterial Application: Ikhazuagbe Ifijen1; Stanley O Omorogbe1; Godfrey Otabor2; 1Rubber Research Institute of Nigeria; 2University of Benin
    Communicable diseases which are usually caused by bacteria have led to a significant strain on public health worldwide. Apart from the fact that this disease-causing bacteria is responsible for so many deaths, some of the remedies used in the tackling of these diseases are impeded by concurrent resistance to multiple drugs, intimating that there is an earnest and urgent necessity to generate novel therapeutics that can subdue drug resistance. 3D Iron oxide nanoparticles have been shown to have heightened properties that can combat drug-resistant bacteria owing to their magnetic and biomedical properties. This review summarizes the up-to-date green synthetic approach that has been employed in fabricating iron oxide nanoparticles. The utilization of the generated iron oxide nanoparticles in inhibiting bacteria and challenges are also highlighted. It is anticipated that this study will provide adequate knowledge of the applications of iron oxide nanoparticles in the treatment of bacterial infections.

11:00 AM Rapid Fire Posters