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Microfluidic Fabrication of Core-Shell Microcapsules carrying Human Pluripotent Stem Cell Spheroids
Published on: October 13, 2021
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Drug-releasing Microspheres for Stem Cell Differentiation.
Ruchi Sharma1, Claire Benwood1, Stephanie M Willerth1,2,3,4,5
1Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.
Current Protocols
|December 17, 2021
Summary
Researchers developed methods for creating drug-releasing microspheres using poly-ε-caprolactone. These microspheres, when incorporated into 3D bioprinted tissues, can control the release of bioactive factors to promote stem cell differentiation for tissue regeneration.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Tissue Engineering
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Stem cells are crucial for therapeutic applications due to their differentiation potential.
- 3D bioprinting enables the creation of living tissues using bioinks.
- Bioactive factors, including small molecules, are essential for directing stem cell differentiation in tissue engineering.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide protocols for fabricating and characterizing drug-releasing microspheres.
- To detail the incorporation of these microspheres into a fibrin-based bioink for 3D bioprinting.
- To facilitate controlled release of therapeutic agents for enhanced stem cell differentiation.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of poly-ε-caprolactone (PCL) microspheres using detailed protocols.
- Sterilization and characterization of microspheres for loading and size.
- Incorporation of PCL microspheres into a fibrin-based bioink for 3D bioprinting.
Main Results:
- Established protocols for producing drug-releasing PCL microspheres.
- Demonstrated methods for microsphere characterization (e.g., HPLC, SEM).
- Successfully integrated microspheres into a bioink for 3D bioprinting applications.
Conclusions:
- Drug-releasing microspheres offer a viable strategy for controlled delivery of bioactive factors.
- PCL microspheres are suitable for encapsulation and controlled release in tissue engineering.
- This work provides a foundation for advanced 3D bioprinting strategies using functionalized bioinks.
