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Injectable microcapillary network hydrogels engineered by liquid-liquid phase separation for stem cell
Akihiro Nishiguchi1, Shima Ito2, Kazuhiro Nagasaka2
1Biomaterials Field, Research Center for Macromolecules and Biomaterials, National Institute for Materials Science, 1-1 Namiki, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-0044, Japan.
Biomaterials
|January 3, 2024
Summary
Injectable hydrogels with microcapillary networks (μCN) improve stem cell delivery for regenerative medicine. These scaffolds enhance cell survival and tissue integration by facilitating biological communication.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Regenerative Medicine
- Tissue Engineering
Background:
- Injectable hydrogels are crucial for cell delivery in regenerative medicine.
- Non-microporous hydrogels hinder cell survival and tissue integration by limiting biological communication.
- Developing porous scaffolds is essential for effective cell transplantation therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop injectable hydrogels with microcapillary networks (μCN) for enhanced stem cell delivery.
- To investigate the impact of μCN on mass transport, cellular activity, and graft survival.
- To evaluate the therapeutic potential of μCN hydrogels in a hindlimb ischemia model.
Main Methods:
- Molecular modification of gelatin with hydrogen bonding moieties.
- Induction of liquid-liquid phase separation to form μCN structures.
- Spatiotemporally controlled covalent crosslinking and dissolution processes.
- Encapsulation and transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells within μCN hydrogels.
Main Results:
- Injectable hydrogels with liquid-liquid phase separation-induced microcapillary networks (μCN) were successfully fabricated.
- μCN structures enhanced mass transport and cellular activity, including spreading, migration, and proliferation.
- Transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells with μCN hydrogels improved graft survival and functional recovery in a hindlimb ischemia model.
- Enhanced material-tissue communication through μCN facilitated biological signaling and cell integration.
Conclusions:
- Injectable μCN hydrogels provide a facile and advanced scaffold for stem cell transplantation.
- This approach significantly improves stem cell survival, tissue integration, and therapeutic outcomes in regenerative medicine.
- The developed μCN hydrogels hold promise for enhancing various stem cell-based therapies.
