Electrospinning Equipment: Multi-omics analysis of the effects and mechanisms of silk protein on stem cell function regulation and tissue regeneration and repair

Research Results Overview

The team of Zhang Wei/Chen Jialin from the School of Medicine of Southeast University published a research paper titled "Silk fibroin and sericin differentially potentiate the paracrine and regenerative functions of stem cells through multiomics analysis" in Advanced Materials. This study used multiomics sequencing technology for the first time to comprehensively analyze the biochemical interactions between silk protein (silk fibroin, SF; sericin, SS) and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), revealing their overall effects on cell function and tissue regeneration.

The study found that: Cell behavior regulation: Both SF and SS can significantly promote the proliferation of MSCs, but have no significant effect on cell migration and differentiation potential.

Signaling pathway activation: SF enhances the paracrine function of MSCs through the Integrin/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, while SS enhances the paracrine function of MSCs through the glycolysis signaling pathway, regulating extracellular matrix deposition, angiogenesis and immune regulation.

Skin regeneration potential: MSCs stimulated by SF and SS effectively promote skin regeneration by regulating the behavior of fibroblasts, endothelial cells and macrophages in the skin microenvironment. SF showed better immunomodulatory effects in vitro and in vivo, showing greater skin regeneration potential.

Connection with electrospinning technology

Electrospinning technology is an advanced processing technology that can prepare nanofibers, which are widely used in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. The research results of Zhang Wei/Chen Jialin's team provide new ideas and theoretical basis for the application of electrospinning technology in silk protein-based biomaterials, which are specifically reflected in the following aspects:

Construction of nanofiber scaffolds

Silk fibroin (SF) and sericin (SS) can be processed into nanofiber scaffolds through electrospinning technology. This scaffold has a high specific surface area and good porosity, can simulate the extracellular matrix, and provide cells with growth conditions closer to the physiological environment. Combined with the research results, the nanofiber scaffolds of SF and SS can further enhance the paracrine function of MSCs and promote tissue regeneration.

Development of functionalized fibers

Studies have shown that SF and SS regulate cell behavior through different signaling pathways. Using electrospinning technology, specific bioactive molecules or drugs can be introduced into the fibers to develop functionalized nanofibers. For example, by combining SF or SS with growth factors, anti-inflammatory drugs, etc. through electrospinning, tissue engineering scaffolds with specific therapeutic functions can be designed.

Optimizing the performance of tissue engineering scaffolds

This study revealed the differences between SF and SS in cell proliferation, immunoregulation and skin regeneration. Through electrospinning technology, scaffolds with different functions can be customized according to these characteristics. For example, SF is more suitable for skin regeneration applications that require immunoregulation, while SS can be used in scenarios that promote extracellular matrix deposition.

Combination of multi-omics technology and material design

The research of Zhang Wei/Chen Jialin's team emphasized the importance of multi-omics technology in analyzing cell-biomaterial interactions. In the future, combined with electrospinning technology, multi-omics analysis can be further used to optimize the performance of silk protein-based nanofibers and develop tissue engineering scaffolds that are more in line with clinical needs.

Summary

The research of Zhang Wei/Chen Jialin's team at Southeast University not only revealed the complex interaction between silk protein and stem cells, but also provided new theoretical support for the application of electrospinning technology in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. By combining the biological properties of silk protein with electrospinning technology, it is expected to develop more efficient and functional biomaterials, promoting further development in tissue engineering and stem cell therapy.

Electrospinning Nanofibers Article Source:

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/adma.202210517