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Gelatin microcarriers as an effective adipose-derived stem cells delivery strategy in osteoarthritis treatment
Xiaoyun Peng1, Wenjing Song1, Zijian Yan1
1School of Materials Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China; National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, Guangzhou 510006, China; Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering of Guangdong Province, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China; Key Laboratory of Biomedical Materials and Engineering of the Ministry of education, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China; Innovation Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China.
Abstract:
Despite their clinical success, stem cells (SCs) in the treatment of osteoarthritis (OA) are limited by lower retention efficiency and restricted paracrine function. The development of effective SCs culture and delivery systems to maintain or promote SCs paracrine function is urgently needed. In this study, we focused on gelatin microcarriers with different sizes as SCs culture scaffold for OA therapy. The effect of culturing adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) on different size microcarriers (180 μm and 320 μm) to promote paracrine function was evaluated. The secretome of ADSCs cultured on microcarriers more effectively regulated macrophages and chondrocytes in a direction favorable to OA healing compared to culture plates. In particular, microcarriers with ADSCs effectively reduced the coefficient of friction at the cartilage interface. Injection low-dose ADSCs without and with different size microcarriers into the knee joints in rats' OA model was achieved. Even better OA therapeutic effects were achieved by using smaller size (higher curvature) microcarriers to deliver ADSCs at low doses. Microcarrier-based cell delivery strategies offer potential solution method for OA therapy.
Insights
Gelatin microcarriers enhance adipose-derived stem cell (ADSC) therapy for osteoarthritis (OA) by improving cell function and retention. Smaller microcarriers demonstrated superior therapeutic effects in an OA rat model, offering a promising delivery strategy.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Regenerative Medicine
- Orthopedics
Background:
- Osteoarthritis (OA) treatment with stem cells (SCs) faces challenges in cell retention and paracrine function.
- Effective SC culture and delivery systems are crucial for enhancing OA therapy outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate gelatin microcarriers of different sizes as scaffolds for culturing adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) for OA therapy.
- To evaluate the impact of microcarrier size on ADSC paracrine function and therapeutic efficacy in an OA model.
Main Methods:
- Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) were cultured on gelatin microcarriers (180 μm and 320 μm) and compared to standard culture plates.
- The secretome of ADSCs on microcarriers was analyzed for its effects on macrophages and chondrocytes.
- ADSCs, with and without microcarriers, were injected into a rat OA model to assess therapeutic effects, including friction reduction.
Main Results:
- ADSCs cultured on microcarriers exhibited enhanced paracrine function compared to those on culture plates.
- Microcarrier-supported ADSCs effectively reduced the coefficient of friction at the cartilage interface.
- Smaller microcarriers (180 μm) delivering low-dose ADSCs showed superior therapeutic effects in the OA rat model.
Conclusions:
- Gelatin microcarriers serve as effective scaffolds for ADSC culture, improving their therapeutic potential for OA.
- Microcarrier-based delivery systems, particularly smaller ones, offer a promising strategy to enhance stem cell retention and efficacy in OA treatment.
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