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An Immunomodulatory Miniaturized 3D Screening Platform Using Liquefied Capsules
Sara Nadine1, Clara R Correia1, João F Mano1
1CICECO - Aveiro Institute of Materials, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, Aveiro, 3810-193, Portugal.
Advanced Healthcare Materials
|January 28, 2021
Summary
This study introduces liquefied capsules as 3D platforms to screen biomaterial immunomodulatory effects. Chitosan capsules and mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) promote a regenerative immune response, crucial for tissue engineering therapies.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Immunology
- Tissue Engineering
Background:
- Host response to biomaterials critically impacts clinical success.
- Predicting the immunomodulatory bioperformance of implanted biomedical devices is essential.
- Miniaturized 3D platforms are needed for high-content screening of biomaterials.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate liquefied capsules as immunomodulatory 3D platforms for polymer screening.
- To investigate the synergistic effects of encapsulated cells and biomaterials on the immunological environment.
- To enable cost-effective and scalable evaluation of biomaterial immunomodulatory properties.
Main Methods:
- Liquefied capsules were fabricated using polyelectrolytes (poly(L-lysine), alginate, chitosan).
- Capsules, with or without encapsulated mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs), were co-cultured with macrophages.
- Macrophage polarization and cytokine release were analyzed to assess immunomodulatory effects.
Main Results:
- Chitosan-ending capsules promoted a regenerative macrophage profile.
- Encapsulated MSCs significantly enhanced the anti-inflammatory and pro-regenerative effects.
- The system allowed simultaneous evaluation of paracrine signaling and biomaterial immunomodulation.
Conclusions:
- Liquefied capsules serve as effective platforms for screening biomaterial immunomodulatory bioperformance.
- Chitosan and MSCs synergistically steer immune response towards regeneration.
- This approach facilitates scalable and cost-effective assessment of biomaterials for tissue engineering.
