Microfabrication of homogenous, asymmetric cell-laden hydrogel capsules

Biomaterials. 2009 Dec;30(36):6896-902. doi: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2009.09.012. Epub 2009 Oct 2.

Abstract

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.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Alginates / chemistry
  • Animals
  • Biocompatible Materials / chemistry*
  • Capsules / chemistry*
  • Cell Line
  • Cell Proliferation
  • Cell Survival
  • Glucose / metabolism
  • Hydrogels / chemistry*
  • Insulin / metabolism
  • Insulin Secretion
  • Insulin-Secreting Cells* / cytology
  • Insulin-Secreting Cells* / metabolism
  • Materials Testing
  • Microtechnology* / instrumentation
  • Microtechnology* / methods
  • Rats
  • Surface Properties

Substances

  • Alginates
  • Biocompatible Materials
  • Capsules
  • Hydrogels
  • Insulin
  • Glucose