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Galactose‐ F unctionalized Gelatin Hydrogels Improve the Functionality of Encapsulated Hepg2 Cells
Author(s) -
Gevaert Elien,
Billiet Thomas,
Declercq Heidi,
Dubruel Peter,
Cornelissen Ria
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
macromolecular bioscience
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.924
H-Index - 105
eISSN - 1616-5195
pISSN - 1616-5187
DOI - 10.1002/mabi.201300320
Subject(s) - gelatin , methacrylamide , self healing hydrogels , chemistry , hepatocyte , galactose , microbiology and biotechnology , biochemistry , in vitro , polymer chemistry , biology , copolymer , polymer , acrylamide , organic chemistry
The present study investigates the effect of galactosylated gelatin on encapsulated HepG2 cells. Methacrylamide modified gelatin is evaluated and compared with its galactosylated counterpart with respect to effects on viability, morphological characteristics, proliferation, and the expression of hepatocyte specific markers. The research reveals that further modifications of methacrylamide modified gelatin are possible without affecting the survival of the encapsulated cells (viability of 90%). Moreover, the study demonstrates a clear and long‐term (up to 21 d) improvement in hepatocyte specific gene expression when the cells are encapsulated in the galactosylated gelatin. It is concluded that the use of galactosylated gelatin derivates supports the hepatocyte phenotype.