title: Galactose-functionalized gelatin hydrogels improve the functionality of encapsulated HepG2 cells.
abstract: The present study investigates the effect of galactosylated gelatin on encapsulated HepG2 cells. Methacrylamide modified gelatin is evaluated and compared with its galactosylated counterpart with respect to effects on viability, morphological characteristics, proliferation, and the expression of hepatocyte specific markers. The research reveals that further modifications of methacrylamide modified gelatin are possible without affecting the survival of the encapsulated cells (viability of 90%). Moreover, the study demonstrates a clear and long-term (up to 21 d) improvement in hepatocyte specific gene expression when the cells are encapsulated in the galactosylated gelatin. It is concluded that the use of galactosylated gelatin derivates supports the hepatocyte phenotype.
authors.affiliation: Ghent University, Tissue Engineering Group, De Pintelaan 185, Building 6B3, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium.
authors.forename: Elien
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Gevaert
authors.forename: Thomas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Billiet
authors.forename: Heidi
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Declercq
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Dubruel
authors.forename: Ria
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Cornelissen
mesh_terms: D000178:Acrylamides / Q000737:chemistry*; D000418:Albumins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000378:metabolism; D049109:Cell Proliferation / Q000187:drug effects; D002470:Cell Survival / Q000187:drug effects; D018914:Cells, Immobilized / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects*; D005690:Galactose / Q000737:chemistry*; D005780:Gelatin / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000494:pharmacology; D015870:Gene Expression; D056945:Hep G2 Cells; D051557:Hepatocyte Nuclear Factor 4 / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D020100:Hydrogels / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000494:pharmacology; D019394:Ki-67 Antigen / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D011228:Prealbumin / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D000178:Acrylamides; D000418:Albumins; D015415:Biomarkers; C496592:HNF4A protein, human; D051557:Hepatocyte Nuclear Factor 4; D020100:Hydrogels; D019394:Ki-67 Antigen; D011228:Prealbumin; D005780:Gelatin; C045985:methacrylamide; D005690:Galactose
keywords: biocompatibility; galactose; gelatin; hepatocyte; hydrogels