Extruded plant protein two-dimensional scaffold structures support myoblast cell growth for potential applications in cultured meat.

Cultured meat has been proposed as a promising alternative to conventional meat products. Five different plant protein blends made from soy (from two different manufacturers), wheat, mung bean, and faba bean, were extruded to form low-moisture meat analogs (LMMA) and were used to assess LMMA scaffold potential for cultured meat application. Extruded LMMAs were characterized using scanning electron microscopy, water-holding capacity, total soluble matter, and mechanical properties.

Lysyl Oxidase Production by Murine C3H10T1/2 Mesenchymal Stem Cells Is Increased by TGFβs and Differentially Modulated by Mechanical Stimuli.

Tendons are frequently injured and have limited regenerative capacity. This motivates tissue engineering efforts aimed at restoring tendon function through strategies to direct functional tendon formation. Generation of a crosslinked collagen matrix is paramount to forming mechanically functional tendon.

Visualization of rat tendon in three dimensions using micro-Computed Tomography.

Micro-computed tomography (CT) is an X-ray-based imaging modality that produces three-dimensional (3D), high-resolution images of whole-mount tissues, but is typically limited to dense tissues, such as bone. The X-rays readily pass-through tendons, rendering them transparent. Contrast-enhancing chemical stains have been explored, but their use to improve contrast in different tendon types and across developmental stages for micro-CT imaging has not been systematically evaluated.

The LINC complex regulates Achilles tendon elastic modulus, Achilles and tail tendon collagen crimp, and Achilles and tail tendon lateral expansion during early postnatal development.

There is limited understanding of how mechanical signals regulate tendon development. The nucleus has emerged as a major regulator of cellular mechanosensation, via the linker of nucleoskeleton and cytoskeleton (LINC) protein complex. Specific roles of LINC in tenogenesis have not been explored.

Delivery of Bioactive Albumin from Multi-Functional Polyampholyte Hydrogels.

Tissue engineered scaffolds are currently being explored to aid in healing and regeneration of non-union fractures in bone. Additionally, albumin has been demonstrated to provide benefits to healing when applied to injury sites. This paper focuses on delivery of calcium modified, bioactive bovine serum albumin (BSA) from a multi-functional polyampholyte polymer scaffold.