Microfabrication of homogenous, asymmetric cell-laden hydrogel capsules

作者：Dang Tram T; Xu Qiaobing; Bratlie Kaitlin M; O'Sullivan Esther S; Chen Xiao Y; Langer Robert; Anderson Daniel G^*

来源：Biomaterials, 2009, 30(36): 6896-6902.

DOI：10.1016/j.biomaterials.2009.09.012

• Cell encapsulation
• Hydrogel microcapsules
• Alginate
• Diabetes
• Polypropylene mesh
• Microfabrication

Cell encapsulation has been broadly investigated as a technology to provide immunoprotection for transplanted endocrine cells. Here we develop a new fabrication method that allows for rapid, homogenous microencapsulation of insulin-secreting cells with varying microscale geometries and asymmetrically modified surfaces. Micromolding systems were developed using polypropylene mesh, and the material/surface properties associated with efficient encapsulation were identified. Cells encapsulated using these methods maintain desirable viability and preserve their ability to proliferate and secrete insulin in a glucose-responsive manner. This new cell encapsulation approach enables a practical route to an inexpensive and convenient process for the generation of cell-laden microcapsules without requiring any specialized equipment or microfabrication process.

• 出版日期2009-12