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Microencapsulation of growth factors by microfluidic system
Lilith M Caballero-Aguilar1,2, Serena Duchi2,3,4, Anita Quigley4,5,6
1ARC Centre of Excellence for Electromaterials Science, Faculty of Science, Engineering and Technology, Swinburne University of Technology, Victoria 3122, Australia.
Methodsx
|August 26, 2021
Summary
This study presents a microfluidic method for creating tunable microspheres for controlled growth factor delivery in tissue engineering. The protocol preserves growth factor bioactivity and enables sustained release.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Tissue Engineering
- Drug Delivery Systems
Background:
- Microsphere encapsulation is crucial for controlled growth factor delivery in tissue engineering.
- Traditional methods for microsphere fabrication are often variable and lack precision.
- Growth factor bioactivity can be compromised during encapsulation and delivery processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a reproducible microfluidic protocol for fabricating tunable microspheres loaded with growth factors.
- To ensure the integrity and bioactivity of encapsulated growth factors (BMP-6 and TGFβ-3).
- To achieve sustained release of growth factors from the microspheres.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a commercially available microfluidic system for droplet formation.
- Developed a protocol for preparing alginate-growth factor solutions.
- Implemented a novel post-crosslinking process without pH modification.
Main Results:
- Successfully formed tunable particle-size droplets loaded with growth factors.
- Preserved the integrity and bioactivity of tested growth factors (BMP-6 and TGFβ-3).
- Demonstrated sustained release of encapsulated growth factors.
Conclusions:
- The microfluidic protocol offers a precise and reproducible method for growth factor-loaded microsphere production.
- The gentle crosslinking process maintains the conformational integrity and bioactivity of encapsulated molecules.
- This approach enhances the potential for effective tissue engineering applications through controlled growth factor delivery.
