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Partial Coated Stem Cells with Bioinspired Silica as New Generation of Cellular Hybrid Materials
Author(s) -
Maciel Marta M.,
Correia Tiago R.,
Gaspar Vítor M.,
Rodrigues João M. M.,
Choi Insung S.,
Mano João F.
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
advanced functional materials
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 6.069
H-Index - 322
eISSN - 1616-3028
pISSN - 1616-301X
DOI - 10.1002/adfm.202009619
Subject(s) - materials science , surface modification , nanotechnology , tissue engineering , mesenchymal stem cell , suspension (topology) , stem cell , cell , chemical engineering , biomedical engineering , chemistry , microbiology and biotechnology , medicine , mathematics , homotopy , pure mathematics , engineering , biology , biochemistry
The manipulation of cell surfaces in anchorage‐dependent cells can help overcome difficulties presented during cell handling and application. Silica‐based protective mechanisms existing in free‐floating microorganisms may be used as inspiration for sustaining human cell survival in suspension. Gathering on this, herein human adipose‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (hASCs) are partially coated with a hard silica layer that operates as a supporting platform for individual cells in suspension. Inspired by the organic templates involved in biosilicification, a novel chitosan (CHT) derivative displaying fully natural quaternary amine moieties is synthetized via a rapid, one‐pot strategy. Silicification is promoted on individual hASCs surfaces via a two‐step process: a priming step onto previously adhered cell with this CHT derivative, followed by a biocompatible sol–gel process. hASCs holding a silica backpack exhibit enhanced cell survival in suspension conditions and can spread and acquire a more adherent phenotype. This new protocol for cell‐surface modification also provides a new generation of hybrid materials with functionalization of the silica backpack, which can be applied to different areas such as tissue engineering, biosensing, drug delivery, and targeted cell‐based therapies.