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Cytocompatible cell encapsulation via hydrogel photopolymerization in microfluidic emulsion droplets
Bingzhao Xia1, Zhongliang Jiang1, Daniel Debroy1
1Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming 82071, USA.
Biomicrofluidics
|August 11, 2017
Summary
Microfluidic photoencapsulation of cells in PEGDA hydrogels is viable, but shear rate and UV exposure can harm cells. Optimizing flow rates and UV conditions mitigates damage for tissue engineering applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Tissue Engineering
- Microfluidics
Background:
- Cell encapsulation in biocompatible materials is crucial for tissue engineering and cell-based therapies.
- Microfluidic techniques offer precise control over cellular microenvironments for hydrogel structuring.
- Microfluidic photoencapsulation in PEGDA hydrogels is a promising method, but cellular stresses must be managed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically investigate the impact of microfluidic photoencapsulation parameters on cell viability.
- To identify and quantify the effects of fluidic shear, oxygen levels, pressure, and UV exposure on encapsulated cells.
- To develop a model for predicting cell viability based on UV exposure and radical generation.
Main Methods:
- Microfluidic photoencapsulation of cells within PEGDA hydrogels using polydimethylsiloxane devices.
- Systematic variation of fluidic shear rate, flow rate ratios, UV exposure time, and intensity.
- Cell viability assays to assess the impact of different parameters.
- Development of a reaction-diffusion model to correlate UV exposure with peroxy radical generation.
Main Results:
- Fluidic shear rate alone did not significantly affect cell viability.
- Exceeding a critical threshold in the oil-to-aqueous flow rate ratio negatively impacted cell viability.
- UV exposure time and intensity had complex effects on cell viability, linked to peroxy radical generation.
- A reaction-diffusion model accurately predicted cumulative peroxy radical concentration.
Conclusions:
- Microfluidic photoencapsulation can be cytocompatible if parameters are optimized.
- Controlling flow rate ratios and UV exposure is essential to minimize cell damage.
- The developed model provides quantitative insights for optimizing microfluidic photoencapsulation protocols.
- This work offers guidance for mitigating damage and expanding the utility of microfluidic cell encapsulation.
