title: Alternative approach of cell encapsulation by Volvox spheres.
abstract: Volvox sphere is a bio-mimicking concept of a biomaterial structure design able to encapsulate chemicals, drugs and/or cells. The aim of this study was to prepare Volvox spheres encapsulating AML12 liver cells and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) via a high voltage electrostatic field system. The results demonstrated that AML12 liver cells and MSCs could be successfully encapsulated into the inner spheres and the outer sphere of the Volvox spheres. The improved cell viability of MSCs was achieved by the addition of collagen and polyethylene glycol into the preparation components of the Volvox spheres. Collagen material potentially provides extracellular matrix-like structure for cell adhesion while polyethylene glycol provides a void/loose space for permeability of metabolites. The encapsulated MSCs were able to differentiate into hepatocytes or hepatocyte-like cells and express liver cell markers including albumin, alpha feto-protein and cytokeratin 18. The encapsulated cells secreted albumin to about 140 ng on day 14. Based on these observations, we conclude that Volvox spheres can be used as an alternative approach to encapsulate multiple types of cells, here AML12 hepatocyte cell line and MSCs. Nevertheless, efforts are still needed to improve the viability of the encapsulated cells and increase the differentiation of MSCs into functional liver cells.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biomedical Engineering, I-Shou University, No. 8, Yida Rd., Jiaosu Village, Yanchao District, Kaohsiung City 82445, Taiwan.
authors.forename: Benjamin
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Teong
authors.affiliation: Department of Biomedical Engineering, I-Shou University, No. 8, Yida Rd., Jiaosu Village, Yanchao District, Kaohsiung City 82445, Taiwan.
authors.forename: Ioannis
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Manousakas
authors.affiliation: Department of Biomedical Engineering, I-Shou University, No. 8, Yida Rd., Jiaosu Village, Yanchao District, Kaohsiung City 82445, Taiwan.
authors.forename: Shwu Jen
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Chang
authors.affiliation: Department of Veterinary Medicine, National Chiayi University, Chiayi City 60080, Taiwan.
authors.forename: Han Hsiang
authors.initials: HH
authors.lastname: Huang
authors.affiliation: Department of Biomedical Engineering, I-Shou University, No. 8, Yida Rd., Jiaosu Village, Yanchao District, Kaohsiung City 82445, Taiwan.
authors.forename: Kuen-Cheng
authors.initials: KC
authors.lastname: Ju
authors.affiliation: Department of Biomedical Engineering, I-Shou University, No. 8, Yida Rd., Jiaosu Village, Yanchao District, Kaohsiung City 82445, Taiwan. Electronic address: smkuo@isu.edu.tw.
authors.forename: Shyh Ming
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Kuo
mesh_terms: D000418:Albumins / Q000378:metabolism; D000818:Animals; D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000737:chemistry*; D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000187:drug effects; D002470:Cell Survival / Q000187:drug effects; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D018920:Coculture Techniques / Q000379:methods; D003094:Collagen / Q000737:chemistry; D022781:Hepatocytes / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism; D053538:Keratin-18 / Q000378:metabolism; D059630:Mesenchymal Stem Cells / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols / Q000737:chemistry; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D044446:Volvox / Q000737:chemistry*
chemical_list: D000418:Albumins; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D053538:Keratin-18; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols; D003094:Collagen
keywords: Alginate; Cell encapsulation; Collagen; Mesenchymal stem cell; Volvox sphere