Abstract
In certain amphibian models limb regeneration can be promoted or inhibited by the local wound bed environment. This research introduces a device that can be utilized as an experimental tool to characterize the conditions that promotes limb regeneration in the adult frog (Xenopus laevis) model. In particular, this device was designed to manipulate the local wound environment via a hydrogel insert. Initial characterization of the hydrogel insert revealed that this interaction had a significant influence on mechanical forces to the animal, due to the contraction of the hydrogel. The material and mechanical properties of the hydrogel insert were a factor in the device design in relation to the comfort of the animal and the ability to effectively manipulate the amputation site. The tunable features of the hydrogel were important in determining the pro-regenerative effects in limb regeneration, which was measured by cartilage spike formation and quantified by micro-computed tomography. The hydrogel insert was a factor in the observed morphological outcomes following amputation. Future work will focus on characterizing and optimizing the device’s observed capability to manipulate biological pathways that are essential for limb regeneration. However, the present work provides a framework for the role of a hydrogel in the device and a path forward for more systematic studies.
Highlights
Regeneration is the process of restoration, renewal, and growth that an organism undergoes to survive in response to an injury [1]
The device (Fig 1) was composed of three separate components: 1) an outer sleeve made from Dragonskin Very Fast 10A silicone rubber (Smooth On, Easton, PA), 2) a rubber strip doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0155618.g001 (McMasterCarr, Robbinsville, NJ) used to attach the device to the amputated limb, and 3) a hydrogel insert used to deliver the different types of biochemical stimuli applied to the wound bed
The results indicated a possible decrease in a major component of the typical spike extracellular matrix (ECM) composition, which could point to a major alteration in the overall tissue in the device animals
Summary
Regeneration is the process of restoration, renewal, and growth that an organism undergoes to survive in response to an injury [1]. All living things regenerate to some degree, as seen in wound healing, embryonic development, and even adaptive biology [1]. Even higher organisms such as mammals are capable of some complex regeneration. Adult mice are able to regenerate the tip of the most distal phalange bone of their finger [2]. The resultant tissue would have the same functional and structural capability as in the pre-injured state. For adult mammals, this level of regeneration is the exception not the rule.
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