Václav Chochola

Bio: Václav Chochola is an academic researcher from Masaryk University. The author has contributed to research in topics: 3D bioprinting & Peptide modification. The author has an hindex of 1, co-authored 2 publications receiving 3 citations.

3D Bioprinting of Engineered Tissue Flaps with Hierarchical Vessel Networks (VesselNet) for Direct Host-To-Implant Perfusion.

Abstract: Engineering hierarchical vasculatures is critical for creating implantable functional thick tissues. Current approaches focus on fabricating mesoscale vessels for implantation or hierarchical microvascular in vitro models, but a combined approach is yet to be achieved to create engineered tissue flaps. Here, millimetric vessel-like scaffolds and 3D bioprinted vascularized tissues interconnect, creating fully engineered hierarchical vascular constructs for implantation. Endothelial and support cells spontaneously form microvascular networks in bioprinted tissues using a human collagen bioink. Sacrificial molds are used to create polymeric vessel-like scaffolds and endothelial cells seeded in their lumen form native-like endothelia. Assembling endothelialized scaffolds within vascularizing hydrogels incites the bioprinted vasculature and endothelium to cooperatively create vessels, enabling tissue perfusion through the scaffold lumen. Using a cuffing microsurgery approach, the engineered tissue is directly anastomosed with a rat femoral artery, promoting a rich host vasculature within the implanted tissue. After two weeks in vivo, contrast microcomputer tomography imaging and lectin perfusion of explanted engineered tissues verify the host ingrowth vasculature's functionality. Furthermore, the hierarchical vessel network (VesselNet) supports in vitro functionality of cardiomyocytes. Finally, the proposed approach is expanded to mimic complex structures with native-like millimetric vessels. This work presents a novel strategy aiming to create fully-engineered patient-specific thick tissue flaps.

Direct and Indirect Biomimetic Peptide Modification of Alginate: Efficiency, Side Reactions, and Cell Response

Abstract: In the fast-developing field of tissue engineering there is a constant demand for new materials as scaffolds for cell seeding, which can better mimic a natural extracellular matrix as well as control cell behavior. Among other materials, polysaccharides are widely used for this purpose. One of the main candidates for scaffold fabrication is alginate. However, it lacks sites for cell adhesion. That is why one of the steps toward the development of suitable scaffolds for cells is the introduction of the biofunctionality to the alginate structure. In this work we focused on bone-sialoprotein derived peptide (TYRAY) conjugation to the molecule of alginate. Here the comparison study on four different approaches of peptide conjugation was performed including traditional and novel modification methods, based on 1-Ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide/N-hydroxy succinimide (EDC/NHS), 4-(4,6-dimethoxy-1,3,5-triazine-2-yl)-4-methylmorpholinium chloride (DMTMM), thiol-Michael addition and Cu-catalyzed azide–alkyne cycloaddition reactions. It was shown that the combination of the alginate amidation with the use of and subsequent Cu-catalyzed azide–alkyne cycloaddition led to efficient peptide conjugation, which was proven with both NMR and XPS methods. Moreover, the cell culture experiment proved the positive effect of peptide presence on the adhesion of human embryonic stem cells.

Bone Microenvironment‐Mimetic Scaffolds with Hierarchical Microstructure for Enhanced Vascularization and Bone Regeneration

Abstract: Microchannel networks within engineered 3D scaffold can allow nutrient exchange and rapid blood vessels formation. However, fabrication of a bone microenvironment‐mimicking scaffold with hierarchical micro/nanofibrous and microchannel structures is still a challenge. Herein, inspired by structural and functional cues of bone remodeling, a microchannel networks‐enriched nanofibrous scaffold by using 3D printing and thermally induced phase separation techniques, which can facilitate cells migration and nutrients transportation, is developed. The customizable vascular‐like structure of polycaprolactone within the nanofibrous gelatin‐silica scaffold is fabricated using 3D‐printed sacrificial templates, while dimethyloxalylglycine (DMOG)‐loaded mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) located on the scaffold surface and bone forming peptide‐1 (BFP)‐loaded MSNs embedded in the scaffold are implemented for sequential release of DMOG and BFP. The cell experiments show that dual‐drug delivery scaffold (DBM/GP) promotes angiogenesis by stimulating migration, tube formation, and angiogenesis‐related genes/protein expression of endothelial cells, and osteogenesis by promoting osteo‐related genes expression and mineral deposition of osteoblasts. Additionally, DBM/GP scaffold facilitates the angiogenic activity of osteoblasts by activating phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase/protein kinase B/hypoxia inducible factor‐1α pathway. Furthermore, enhanced vascularization and bone regeneration of DBM/GP scaffold are demonstrated via subcutaneous and skull defect models. Overall, this study reveals that the bone microenvironment‐mimetic dual‐drug delivery scaffold provides a promising strategy for bone defects treatment.

Industry 4.0 and Digitalisation in Healthcare

Abstract: Industry 4.0 in healthcare involves use of a wide range of modern technologies including digitisation, artificial intelligence, user response data (ergonomics), human psychology, the Internet of Things, machine learning, big data mining, and augmented reality to name a few. The healthcare industry is undergoing a paradigm shift thanks to Industry 4.0, which provides better user comfort through proactive intervention in early detection and treatment of various diseases. The sector is now ready to make its next move towards Industry 5.0, but certain aspects that motivated this review paper need further consideration. As a fruitful outcome of this review, we surveyed modern trends in this arena of research and summarised the intricacies of new features to guide and prepare the sector for an Industry 5.0-ready healthcare system.

Engineering the multiscale complexity of vascular networks

Abstract: The survival of vertebrate organisms depends on highly regulated delivery of oxygen and nutrients through vascular networks that pervade nearly all tissues in the body. Dysregulation of these vascular networks is implicated in many common human diseases such as hypertension, coronary artery disease, diabetes and cancer. Therefore, engineers have sought to create vascular networks within engineered tissues for applications such as regenerative therapies, human disease modelling and pharmacological testing. Yet engineering vascular networks has historically remained difficult, owing to both incomplete understanding of vascular structure and technical limitations for vascular fabrication. This Review highlights the materials advances that have enabled transformative progress in vascular engineering by ushering in new tools for both visualizing and building vasculature. New methods such as bioprinting, organoids and microfluidic systems are discussed, which have enabled the fabrication of 3D vascular topologies at a cellular scale with lumen perfusion. These approaches to vascular engineering are categorized into technology-driven and nature-driven approaches. Finally, the remaining knowledge gaps, emerging frontiers and opportunities for this field are highlighted, including the steps required to replicate the multiscale complexity of vascular networks found in nature.