Microfluidic-Based Cell-Embedded Microgels Using Nonfluorinated Oil as a Model for the Gastrointestinal Niche

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Cell Biology
• Microfluidics

Background:

• Microfluidic cell encapsulation offers therapeutic potential but lacks models for studying specific cell interactions.
• Recreating distinct intestinal microenvironments for crypt and Peyer's patch cells in vitro is challenging.
• Current microencapsulation often uses fluorinated oils, limiting gastrointestinal applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess nonfluorinated oils for gastrointestinal cell encapsulation.
• To develop a microfluidic model for studying crypt and Peyer's patch cell interactions.
• To investigate the impact of process parameters on cell viability during microencapsulation.

Main Methods:

• Utilized microfluidic droplet generation with various nonfluorinated oils for cell encapsulation.
• Optimized polymer solidification and purification steps to enhance cell viability.
• Developed a co-culture model encapsulating crypt and Peyer's patch cells separately within alginate/gelatin microgels.

Main Results:

• Cell viability (>90%) was primarily influenced by post-droplet formation processes, not oil type.
• Shorter polymer cross-linking times improved cell survival by minimizing exposure to harsh conditions.
• Co-culturing crypt and Peyer's patch cells within microgels promoted healthy organoid growth over 21 days.

Conclusions:

• Nonfluorinated oils are biocompatible for microfluidic gastrointestinal cell encapsulation.
• Optimized microfluidic techniques support high cell viability and organoid development.
• This model facilitates studying intercellular communication and holds promise for clinical research applications.