Encapsulation matrices for neurotrophic factor-secreting myoblast cells

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Cell Therapy
• Tissue Engineering

Background:

• Encapsulated-cell therapy involves implanting devices that house cells to secrete therapeutic factors.
• Neurotrophic factors are crucial for treating neurodegenerative diseases.
• Cell scaffolds within these devices are critical for cell survival and function.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the efficacy of collagen-coated polyethylene terephthalate (PET) yarn versus collagen as a matrix for engineered C2C12 myoblasts in encapsulated devices.
• To evaluate the impact of the scaffold material on cell viability, morphology, and therapeutic factor secretion.

Main Methods:

• C2C12 myoblasts engineered to secrete ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) were immobilized in PET yarn or collagen matrices.
• Cells were encapsulated in hollow fiber membrane devices and monitored in vitro.
• Viable cell density was assessed using histology and metabolic assays; CNTF secretion was quantified.

Main Results:

• PET scaffold devices showed a nine-fold increase in viable cells compared to collagen after 4 weeks.
• PET matrix supported dense, oriented cell growth, while collagen matrix had sparse cell populations.
• Cells in PET scaffolds secreted approximately four-fold more CNTF (542 ng/day) than those in collagen (129 ng/day).

Conclusions:

• The choice of encapsulation matrix profoundly impacts cell morphology, viability, and therapeutic factor release.
• PET yarn scaffolds offer a superior matrix for encapsulated-cell therapy, enhancing cell performance and therapeutic output.