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Updated: Feb 7, 2026
08:27
Aqueous Droplets Used as Enzymatic Microreactors and Their Electromagnetic Actuation
Published on: August 28, 2017
5.7K
Planar and Cell Aggregate-Like Assemblies Consisting of Microreactors and HepG2 Cells.
Yan Zhang1, Philipp S Schattling1, Fabian Itel1
1Interdisciplinary Nanoscience (iNANO), Aarhus University, Gustav Wieds Vej 14, Aarhus 8000, Denmark.
ACS Omega
|July 20, 2018
Summary
Researchers combined microreactors with HepG2 cells to create artificial cells. These functional microreactors detoxify hydrogen peroxide, aiding cell survival and advancing semisynthetic concepts for biomedical applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Cell Biology
- Materials Science
Background:
- Microreactor fabrication is advancing artificial cell development.
- Current microreactor characterization lacks biological context, relying on buffer assays.
- Integrating synthetic components with biological systems is crucial for advanced applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To combine microreactors with HepG2 cells for enhanced characterization and function.
- To investigate the interaction and compatibility of microreactors with biological cells.
- To demonstrate the potential of microreactors in supporting cell survival through detoxification.
Main Methods:
- Assembly of alginate (Alg)-based microreactors using droplet microfluidics.
- Loading microreactors with catalase for hydrogen peroxide removal.
- Co-culturing polymer-coated Alg microreactors with HepG2 cells in various formats (planar, aggregates).
Main Results:
- Successful assembly and confirmed activity of catalase-loaded Alg microreactors.
- HepG2 cell acceptance of polymer-coated microreactors is dependent on the surface polymer layer.
- Co-cultured microreactors effectively removed hydrogen peroxide, enhancing HepG2 cell survival.
Conclusions:
- This study demonstrates a successful integration of microreactors with HepG2 cells.
- The findings contribute to understanding the interplay between synthetic and biological components in semisynthetic systems.
- This work paves the way for advanced biomedical applications utilizing functionalized microreactors and living cells.
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