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Mammalian Cell Encapsulation in Alginate Beads Using a Simple Stirred Vessel
Published on: June 29, 2017
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Gum tragacanth-alginate beads as proangiogenic-osteogenic cell encapsulation systems for bone tissue engineering
Senthilguru Kulanthaivel1, Sharan Rathnam V S, Tarun Agarwal
1Department of Biotechnology and Medical Engineering, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, Odisha 769008, India. indraniliit@gmail.com.
Journal of Materials Chemistry. B
|April 9, 2020
Summary
Gum tragacanth (GT) incorporation into calcium alginate (CA) beads enhances bone cell encapsulation. These novel CA-GT beads improve cell viability, proliferation, differentiation, and promote angiogenesis, offering a superior osteo-conductive matrix.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Tissue Engineering
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Biologically active matrices are needed for bone cell encapsulation.
- Calcium alginate (CA) beads are a common but limited system for cell encapsulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential of incorporating gum tragacanth (GT) into CA beads to enhance their biological properties for bone cell encapsulation.
- To evaluate the effect of GT on the physical and biological characteristics of CA beads.
Main Methods:
- Calcium alginate (CA) beads were prepared with varying concentrations of gum tragacanth (GT).
- Molecular transport, swelling, and degradation properties were assessed.
- The viability, proliferation, and differentiation of encapsulated bone cells were evaluated.
- The proangiogenic potential of the beads was demonstrated.
Main Results:
- GT incorporation significantly improved molecular transport, swelling, and degradation of CA beads.
- A decrease in calcium concentration was observed with increasing GT concentration.
- Encapsulated bone cells exhibited improved viability, proliferation, and differentiation in CA-GT beads.
- CA-GT beads demonstrated the ability to induce angiogenesis.
Conclusions:
- Calcium alginate-gum tragacanth (CA-GT) beads represent an improved matrix for bone cell encapsulation compared to pure CA beads.
- CA-GT beads exhibit enhanced osteo-conductive and proangiogenic properties, making them promising for bone tissue regeneration.

