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Injectable Supramolecular Polymer-Nanoparticle Hydrogels for Cell and Drug Delivery Applications
Published on: February 7, 2021
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Hydrogel encapsulation to improve cell viability during syringe needle flow.
Matthew A Wagner1, William H Marks2, Sujata K Bhatia3
1Harvard University, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Journal of Long-Term Effects of Medical Implants
|October 2, 2014
Summary
Pluronic F-127 hydrogels protect cells during syringe injection, enhancing viability. These injectable gels transition from liquid to solid, supporting tissue regeneration after transplantation.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Cell Biology
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Direct cell injection for transplantation often leads to low cell viability due to mechanical stress.
- Hydrogels offer potential for cell encapsulation and protection during delivery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate Pluronic F-127 hydrogels for protecting cells during syringe needle injection.
- To determine the effect of hydrogel weight and carbon nanobrush concentration on cell viability and electrical conductivity.
- To assess the hydrogel's ability to prevent cell membrane damage.
Main Methods:
- Encapsulation of D1 multipotent mouse bone marrow stromal precursor cells within Pluronic F-127 hydrogels.
- Testing hydrogels at various weights and carbon nanobrush concentrations.
- Measuring pressure drop during injection and assessing cell viability post-injection.
Main Results:
- Increasing hydrogel weight correlated with increased pressure drop during injection.
- Cell viability significantly increased with increasing hydrogel weight.
- Hydrogels demonstrated potential to shield cells from mechanical forces, preventing membrane rupture.
Conclusions:
- Pluronic F-127 hydrogels effectively protect cells during syringe needle injection, improving survival rates.
- The reverse phase transition property allows for in situ gelation, facilitating cell transplantation and tissue regeneration.
- Optimized hydrogel formulations can serve as conductive scaffolds for cell proliferation.
