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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
Design and characterization of tissue-specific extracellular matrix-derived microcarriers
Allison E B Turner1, Lauren E Flynn
1Department of Chemical Engineering, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada.
Tissue Engineering. Part C, Methods
|October 11, 2011
Summary
Researchers developed custom microcarriers from decellularized adipose tissue (DAT) to mimic the natural extracellular matrix (ECM). These DAT microcarriers support enhanced human adipose-derived stem cell (ASC) attachment and proliferation for potential use in regenerative medicine.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Engineering
- Tissue Engineering
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- The three-dimensional (3D) extracellular matrix (ECM) is crucial for cellular behavior and tissue organization.
- Limited research exists on custom-designed microcarriers that mimic native ECM composition.
- Tissue-specific microcarriers are needed for advanced cell therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop methods for fabricating tissue-specific microcarriers from decellularized adipose tissue (DAT).
- To characterize the physical properties and stability of DAT microcarriers.
- To evaluate the efficacy of DAT microcarriers in supporting human adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) in a dynamic 3D culture environment.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of microcarriers from decellularized adipose tissue (DAT) using minimally-cytotoxic protocols.
- Characterization of microcarrier morphology, size (934±51 μm), and porosity (29%±4%) using microscopy and liquid displacement.
- Assessment of microcarrier stability and protein release over 4 weeks using rose bengal crosslinking.
- Evaluation of human ASC attachment and proliferation on DAT microcarriers in a spinner flask system over 14 days.
- Testing of microcarrier injectability for potential clinical applications.
Main Results:
- Stable, spherical DAT microcarriers with microporous surfaces were successfully fabricated.
- DAT microcarriers demonstrated excellent stability over 4 weeks with minimal protein release (<10 μg/mL).
- Enhanced attachment and proliferation of human ASCs were observed on DAT microcarriers compared to gelatin controls.
- DAT microcarriers were confirmed to be injectable, indicating potential for localized cell delivery.
Conclusions:
- Tissue-specific microcarriers derived from DAT can be effectively fabricated and stabilized.
- DAT microcarriers provide a supportive 3D environment for human ASCs, promoting cell attachment and proliferation.
- These findings highlight the clinical potential of DAT microcarriers for cell delivery and augmentation in plastic and reconstructive surgery.
Related Concept Videos
The Extracellular Matrix
Overview
The Extracellular Matrix
Overview
In order to maintain tissue organization, many animal cells are surrounded by structural molecules that make up the extracellular matrix (ECM). Together, the molecules in the ECM maintain the structural integrity of tissue as well as the remarkable specific properties of certain tissues.
Composition of the Extracellular Matrix
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is commonly composed of ground substance, a gel-like fluid, fibrous components, and many structurally and functionally diverse...
In order to maintain tissue organization, many animal cells are surrounded by structural molecules that make up the extracellular matrix (ECM). Together, the molecules in the ECM maintain the structural integrity of tissue as well as the remarkable specific properties of certain tissues.
Composition of the Extracellular Matrix
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is commonly composed of ground substance, a gel-like fluid, fibrous components, and many structurally and functionally diverse...

