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A facile method to fabricate hydrogels with microchannel-like porosity for tissue engineering
Joshua Hammer1, Li-Hsin Han, Xinming Tong
11 School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering, Arizona State University , Tempe, Arizona.
This study introduces a new cell-friendly method to create microchannel-like pores in hydrogels using dissolvable microfibers. This technique supports cell growth and controlled release for tissue engineering applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Tissue Engineering
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Hydrogels are versatile 3D scaffolds for tissue engineering, but often lack the macroporosity needed for nutrient transport and vascularization.
- Existing methods for creating macropores in hydrogels often use harsh conditions, yield spherical pores, and lack dynamic control.
- Mimicking the microchannel structures found in native tissues, like vasculature and nerves, is a significant challenge in hydrogel fabrication.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a facile and cell-friendly method for engineering hydrogels with interconnected microchannel-like porosity.
- To utilize stimuli-responsive microfibers as porogens for controlled pore formation and cell release within 3D hydrogel scaffolds.
- To demonstrate the viability and functionality of cells released from these engineered microchannels.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of alginate microfibers (150-200 μm) using coaxial flow.
- Encapsulation of human embryonic kidney (HEK) cells within alginate microfibers and subsequent embedding in a 3D gelatin hydrogel.
- Dissolution of alginate microfibers using ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) to create microchannels.
Main Results:
- Scanning electron microscopy confirmed the formation of well-defined, interconnected microchannels after EDTA treatment.
- HEK cells released from the alginate fibers exhibited high viability and enhanced colony formation.
- Control groups without EDTA treatment showed entrapped cells, highlighting the effectiveness of the dissolution method.
Conclusions:
- A novel, cell-friendly approach for dynamic microchannel formation in hydrogels was successfully developed.
- This method enables spatiotemporally controlled cell release within 3D hydrogel scaffolds.
- The platform holds potential for applications in tissue repair using various cell types and stimuli-responsive porogen removal strategies.
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