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Microfabrication of Chip-sized Scaffolds for Three-dimensional Cell cultivation
Published on: May 12, 2008
Microfluidic chip-based fabrication of PLGA microfiber scaffolds for tissue engineering
Chang Mo Hwang1, Ali Khademhosseini, Yongdoo Park
1Korea Artificial Organ Center, Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Korea University, Seoul 136-705, Republic of Korea.
Langmuir : the ACS Journal of Surfaces and Colloids
|June 3, 2008
Summary
Researchers developed a microfluidic chip method to create poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microfibers for 3D tissue engineering scaffolds. These PLGA scaffolds support cell proliferation and neural axon elongation, showing promise for tissue regeneration applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Tissue Engineering
- Microfluidics
Background:
- Developing advanced scaffolds is crucial for 3D cell culture and tissue engineering.
- Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) is a versatile biomaterial for biomedical applications.
- Microfluidic techniques offer precise control over material fabrication.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a microfluidic chip-based method for fabricating poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microfibers.
- To assess the suitability of these PLGA microfibers as scaffolds for 3D cell culture and tissue engineering.
- To evaluate the potential of PLGA microfibers in nerve regeneration applications.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-based microfluidic spinning device.
- Dissolved PLGA in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and precipitated fibers in a glycerol-water solution.
- Controlled fiber diameter (20-230 microm) by adjusting PLGA and sheath flow rates.
Main Results:
- Successfully fabricated PLGA microfibers with dense outer surfaces and porous interiors.
- L929 fibroblasts exhibited comparable proliferation on both as-fabricated and fibronectin-coated PLGA microfibers.
- Neural progenitor cells demonstrated axon elongation along the PLGA microfibers, indicating potential for nerve guidance.
Conclusions:
- Microfluidic chip-based fabrication is an effective method for producing PLGA microfibers for tissue engineering.
- The generated PLGA microfibers support cell growth and neurite extension, suitable for 3D cell culture.
- This technique holds promise for developing advanced scaffolds in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering.
