Non-Newtonian Polymer-Nanoparticle Hydrogels Enhance Cell Viability during Injection

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine
• Drug Delivery

Background:

• Minimally invasive injection methods are crucial for drug delivery and cell transplantation.
• Supramolecular hydrogels composed of dodecyl-modified hydroxypropylmethylcellulose and poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(lactic acid) have shown promise for delivering drugs and proteins.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the injectability and cell viability of supramolecular hydrogels for minimally invasive delivery.
• To assess the potential of these hydrogels for homogeneous cell suspension and proliferation.

Main Methods:

• Characterization of hydrogel rheological properties for injectability assessment.
• In vitro injection of various human cell types (fibroblasts, umbilical vein cells, smooth muscle cells, mesenchymal stem cells) through high-gauge needles.
• Quantification of cell viability and assessment of cell suspension homogeneity and proliferation post-injection.

Main Results:

• Hydrogels demonstrated facile injectability at 1 mL/min with pressures < 400 kPa, despite their solid-like state at rest.
• Cell viabilities immediately post-injection exceeded 86% for all tested cell types.
• Cells remained homogeneously suspended and proliferated at rates comparable to cell media.

Conclusions:

• The studied supramolecular hydrogels are suitable for minimally invasive delivery of cells with high viability.
• These hydrogels support cell suspension and proliferation, indicating their potential for cell transplantation and tissue engineering.
• The findings support the use of these versatile hydrogels for the co-delivery of drugs, proteins, and cells.