Galactose-functionalized gelatin hydrogels improve the functionality of encapsulated HepG2 cells

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Cell Biology
• Hepatology

Background:

• Methacrylamide modified gelatin is a common biomaterial for cell encapsulation.
• Maintaining hepatocyte function in vitro is crucial for liver research and therapies.
• Galactosylation of biomaterials can influence cell-specific interactions and functions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effect of galactosylated gelatin on encapsulated HepG2 cells.
• To compare galactosylated gelatin with methacrylamide modified gelatin for cell encapsulation.
• To assess HepG2 cell viability, morphology, proliferation, and hepatocyte specific marker expression.

Main Methods:

• Encapsulation of HepG2 cells in methacrylamide modified gelatin and galactosylated gelatin.
• Assessment of cell viability and morphology post-encapsulation.
• Long-term monitoring of hepatocyte specific gene expression (up to 21 days).

Main Results:

• Galactosylated gelatin modifications did not affect HepG2 cell viability (90% survival).
• Encapsulation in galactosylated gelatin led to a clear, long-term improvement in hepatocyte specific gene expression.
• Galactosylated gelatin supported the maintenance of the hepatocyte phenotype in encapsulated cells.

Conclusions:

• Galactosylated gelatin is a suitable biomaterial for encapsulating HepG2 cells.
• This galactosylated derivative effectively supports and enhances hepatocyte specific gene expression.
• Galactosylated gelatin derivatives show promise for applications requiring sustained hepatocyte function.