Tissue-scale in vitro epithelial wrinkling and wrinkle-to-fold transition

Area of Science:

• Biophysics
• Developmental Biology
• Tissue Engineering

Background:

• In vivo animal models are commonly used for studying epithelial folding but have limitations in real-time observation and experimental control.
• Understanding epithelial folding mechanisms is crucial for developmental biology and tissue engineering applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel tissue-scale in vitro epithelial bilayer folding model.
• To emulate in vivo epithelial folding structures and investigate their underlying mechanisms.
• To provide a platform for real-time observation and independent control of experimental parameters in epithelial folding studies.

Main Methods:

• Development of a tissue-scale in vitro model comprising an epithelium and an extracellular matrix (ECM) hydrogel.
• Application of compression to induce folding in the epithelial bilayer.
• Experimental and theoretical investigations to analyze folding patterns and influencing factors.

Main Results:

• The in vitro model successfully emulates various in vivo epithelial folding structures.
• A hierarchical transition from periodic wrinkles to a single deep fold was observed under compression.
• Epithelial strain-stiffening and ECM poroelasticity were identified as key factors influencing folded structures.

Conclusions:

• The proposed in vitro model offers a powerful tool for studying tissue-scale epithelial folding.
• This model overcomes limitations of in vivo studies, enabling detailed mechanistic investigations.
• The findings contribute to a better understanding of developmental processes and tissue engineering strategies.