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Preparation of Chitosan-based Injectable Hydrogels and Its Application in 3D Cell Culture
Published on: September 29, 2017
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Modulus-regulated 3D-cell proliferation in an injectable self-healing hydrogel.
Yongsan Li1, Yingwei Zhang2, Feng Shi2
1Beijing Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, PR China; The Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, PR China.
Colloids and Surfaces. B, Biointerfaces
|October 19, 2016
Summary
This study shows that injectable hydrogels can support cell proliferation for cell therapy. Cell growth in the hydrogel depends on its stiffness and is influenced by the injection process.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Regenerative Medicine
- Cell Therapy
Background:
- Hydrogels are explored as carriers for cell therapy due to their ability to maintain cell viability.
- Limited research exists on 3D cell proliferation within hydrogels post-injection, a critical factor for therapeutic efficacy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the proliferation of 3D-embedded L929 cells within a modulus-tunable, injectable, self-healing hydrogel.
- To evaluate cell proliferation before and after injection without exogenous growth factors.
- To understand the influence of hydrogel stiffness and injection forces on cell proliferation.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a modulus-tunable and injectable self-healing hydrogel as a cell carrier.
- Encapsulated L929 cells within the hydrogel.
- Quantified cell proliferation rates in 3D before and after the injection process.
- Assessed the impact of hydrogel stiffness on cell growth.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated stiffness-dependent cell proliferation, with higher proliferation rates observed in stiffer hydrogels.
- Quantified the proliferation rates of encapsulated cells both pre- and post-injection.
- Identified injection-induced shearing forces as a potential negative factor influencing cell proliferation.
Conclusions:
- Injectable self-healing hydrogels offer a promising platform for cell therapy by supporting cell proliferation.
- Both the intrinsic properties of the hydrogel (e.g., stiffness) and the physical stresses of the injection process are critical for successful in vivo cell therapy.
- The developed hydrogel exhibits high operability and good biocompatibility, making it suitable for future cell therapy applications.
