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Recombinant Collagen I Peptide Microcarriers for Cell Expansion and Their Potential Use As Cell Delivery System in a Bioreactor Model
Published on: February 7, 2018
Gelatin-based microcarriers as embryonic stem cell delivery system in bone tissue engineering: an in-vitro study
S Tielens1, H Declercq, T Gorski
1Department of Anatomy, Embryology, Histology, and Medical Physics, Ghent University, L. Pasteurlaan 2, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium.
Biomacromolecules
|February 3, 2007
Summary
Mouse embryonic stem cells were successfully cultured on microcarriers and differentiated into bone cells. Optimal cell viability was achieved using specific polymer encapsulation techniques without gelatin.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Stem Cell Biology
- Tissue Engineering
Background:
- Biodegradable macroporous microcarriers offer a scaffold for cell culture.
- Maintaining pluripotency and inducing differentiation are key for stem cell applications.
- Encapsulation techniques are crucial for cell viability in biomaterial constructs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To culture mouse embryonic stem cells on microcarriers.
- To induce osteogenic differentiation of these cells.
- To optimize encapsulation of cell-loaded microcarriers in photopolymerizable polymers for enhanced cell viability.
Main Methods:
- Culture of mouse embryonic stem cells on macroporous microcarriers.
- Induction of osteogenic differentiation using specific media.
- Encapsulation of cell-laden microcarriers within methacrylate-endcapped poly-D,L-lactide-co-caprolactone using triacetin or HEMA as solvents, with or without gelatin.
- Transmission electron microscopy for cell viability assessment.
Main Results:
- Embryonic stem cells colonized microcarriers within 1-2 weeks.
- Pluripotency was maintained for up to 14 days with leukemia inhibitory factor.
- Osteogenic differentiation was initiated after 2 weeks in differentiation medium.
- Homogeneous microcarrier distribution was achieved in the polymer matrix.
- Optimal cell viability was observed when gelatin was omitted and triacetin was used as a solvent.
Conclusions:
- Biodegradable macroporous microcarriers support mouse embryonic stem cell culture and osteogenic differentiation.
- Photopolymerizable polymer encapsulation is feasible for cell-loaded microcarriers.
- The choice of solvent and the exclusion of gelatin are critical for maximizing cell viability in the encapsulated constructs.

