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Multisized Photoannealable Microgels Regulate Cell Spreading, Aggregation, and Macrophage Phenotype through
Jeremy M Lowen1,2, Gabriella C Bond1, Katherine H Griffin1,3
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, UC Davis Health, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA.
Advanced Healthcare Materials
|January 31, 2023
Summary
This study presents a light-based method to create tunable microgels for cell studies. Smaller microgels promote M1 macrophage polarization and higher cell density, while larger ones promote M2 polarization, offering versatile applications in tissue engineering.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Tissue Engineering
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Microgels offer tunable properties for in vitro models and cell fate guidance.
- Their porosity and size are critical factors influencing cellular behavior and tissue integration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a rapid, light-based annealing technique for fabricating microgels of controlled diameters.
- To investigate the impact of microgel size and porosity on cell behavior, including spreading, aggregation, and macrophage polarization.
- To explore the potential of these microgels as scaffolds for tissue regeneration and in vivo applications.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of 8-arm poly(ethylene) glycol-vinyl sulfone microgels with controlled crosslinking.
- Utilizing ultraviolet light for rapid annealing of microgels across various diameters.
- Seeding microgels with mesenchymal stromal cells and macrophages to assess cell responses.
- Implanting microgels in vivo to evaluate host cell infiltration and macrophage polarization.
Main Results:
- Mesenchymal stromal cells spread rapidly on both small and large microgels, with higher cell density observed in smaller microgels.
- Macrophages cultured on smaller microgels exhibited an M1 phenotype, whereas those on larger microgels showed an M2 phenotype.
- Microgel porosity was leveraged to induce cell aggregation, demonstrating potential for creating complex cellular structures.
- In vivo implantation showed that microgel size influences endogenous cell invasion and macrophage polarization.
Conclusions:
- The developed light-based annealing technique provides a rapid and tunable method for microgel fabrication.
- Microgel size is a critical parameter that dictates cellular responses, including macrophage polarization and cell density.
- These tunable, rapidly annealed microgels hold significant promise for applications in regenerative medicine, in vitro modeling, and guiding cell fate.
