title: A novel shell-structure cell microcarrier (SSCM) for cell transplantation and bone regeneration medicine.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The present study aims to develop a novel open and hollow shell-structure cell microcarrier (SSCM) to improve the anchorage-dependent cell (ADC) loading efficiency, increase the space for cell proliferation and tissue regeneration, and better propel its therapeutic effects.
  
  
  METHODS
  Gelatin particles were prepared with oil/water/oil (o/w/o) technique and modified by an adjustable surface crosslinking technique and subsequent release of uncrosslinked material. Optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were utilized to observe the morphologies of the microcarriers. Cell loading tests were performed to evaluate the biocompatibilities and effect on osteogenesis of SSCM.
  
  
  RESULTS
  SSCMs were successfully fabricated via the surface technique. The shell-structure could allow the cell to attach and grow on both outer and inner surface of sphere and provide adequate space for cell proliferation and extracellular matrix (ECM) secretion. The cell loading rate, proliferation rate and osteogenesis-related gene expressions on the SSCMs were higher than those on the spherical gelatin microcarriers.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The outstanding performance of injectable SSCMs endowed with favorable micro-structure, desirable cytocompatibility and enhanced cell affinity makes them as a good choice as cell delivery vehicle for transplanting therapeutic cells towards the scope of tissue regeneration.
authors.affiliation: Division of Bioengineering School of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 637457, Republic of Singapore.
authors.forename: Kai
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Su
authors.forename: Yihong
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Gong
authors.forename: Chunming
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Dong-An
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Wang
mesh_terms: D001861:Bone Regeneration / Q000502:physiology*; D002448:Cell Adhesion / Q000502:physiology; D048708:Cell Growth Processes / Q000502:physiology; D017690:Cell Transplantation / Q000379:methods*; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D005780:Gelatin / Q000737:chemistry; D006801:Humans; D008863:Microspheres; D010006:Osteoblasts / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism; D010012:Osteogenesis / Q000502:physiology; D044968:Regenerative Medicine / Q000379:methods; D023822:Tissue Engineering / Q000379:methods*
chemical_list: D005780:Gelatin