Biofunctionalized cellulose paper matrix for cell delivery applications

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Tissue Engineering
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• Developing advanced materials for efficient cell delivery is crucial for regenerative medicine.
• Existing cell delivery scaffolds often face challenges in biocompatibility and cell integration.
• Extracellular matrix (ECM) offers a promising natural scaffold, but its application requires functionalization for enhanced cellular interaction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To prepare and characterize a novel (3-Aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (APTES)/Caprine liver-derived extracellular matrix (CLECM) coated paper matrix for cell delivery.
• To evaluate the effect of the functionalized paper matrix on cell adhesion, growth, and proliferation.
• To assess the in vivo performance of the paper matrix as a cell delivery vehicle for tissue repair and model development.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a paper matrix functionalized with APTES and CLECM.
• Characterization of the functionalized paper matrix surface properties.
• In vitro cell culture studies with various cell types (normal, transformed, cancerous, stem cells).
• In vivo studies in mouse models, including implantation and assessment of host cell infiltration and vasculature.
• Evaluation of cell-seeded paper matrix performance in CAM and mouse models for vascular network formation.

Main Results:

• The APTES/CLECM coated paper matrix exhibited enhanced cell adhesion, growth, and proliferation compared to pristine paper.
• Implantation in mice showed host cell and vasculature infiltration without significant systemic toxicity.
• Cells cultured on the paper matrix demonstrated enhanced vascularization when delivered in vivo.
• The functionalized paper matrix supported multiple cell types, indicating broad applicability.

Conclusions:

• The developed APTES/CLECM coated paper matrix is a promising, cost-effective, and portable platform for cell delivery.
• This paper-based scaffold facilitates cell integration and promotes vascularization in vivo.
• The technology holds potential for applications in tissue repair and the development of humanized animal models.