Microfabrication of homogenous, asymmetric cell-laden hydrogel capsules.
Cell encapsulation has been broadly investigated as a technology to provide immunoprotection for transplanted endocrine cells. Here we develop a new fabrication method that allows for rapid, homogenous microencapsulation of insulin-secreting cells with varying microscale geometries and asymmetrically modified surfaces. Micromolding systems were developed using polypropylene mesh, and the material/surface properties associated with efficient encapsulation were identified. Cells encapsulated using these methods maintain desirable viability and preserve their ability to proliferate and secrete insulin in a glucose-responsive manner. This new cell encapsulation approach enables a practical route to an inexpensive and convenient process for the generation of cell-laden microcapsules without requiring any specialized equipment or microfabrication process.
Dang
Tram T
TT
Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.
Xu
Qiaobing
Q
Bratlie
Kaitlin M
KM
O'Sullivan
Esther S
ES
Chen
Xiao Y
XY
Langer
Robert
R
Anderson
Daniel G
DG
D000464:Alginates / Q000737:chemistry; D000818:Animals; D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000737:chemistry*; D002214:Capsules / Q000737:chemistry*; D002460:Cell Line; D049109:Cell Proliferation; D002470:Cell Survival; D005947:Glucose / Q000378:metabolism; D020100:Hydrogels / Q000737:chemistry*; D007328:Insulin / Q000378:metabolism; D000078790:Insulin Secretion; D050417:Insulin-Secreting Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism; D008422:Materials Testing; D055616:Microtechnology / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D051381:Rats; D013499:Surface Properties
D000464:Alginates; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D002214:Capsules; D020100:Hydrogels; D007328:Insulin; D005947:Glucose