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Cell encapsulation within PVA‐based hydrogels via freeze‐thawing: a one‐step scaffold formation and cell storage technique
Author(s) -
Vra. E.,
O'Grady A.,
Kay E.,
Cahill P. A.,
McGuinness G. B.
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
journal of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.835
H-Index - 72
eISSN - 1932-7005
pISSN - 1932-6254
DOI - 10.1002/term.193
Subject(s) - self healing hydrogels , cryoprotectant , polyvinyl alcohol , cell encapsulation , gelatin , viability assay , scaffold , tissue engineering , chemistry , biomedical engineering , cryopreservation , chemical engineering , cell , materials science , polymer chemistry , biochemistry , organic chemistry , microbiology and biotechnology , medicine , embryo , engineering , biology
Cryogelation is a physical hydrogel formation method for certain polymers, notably polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). The hypothesis of this study is that a PVA‐based solution with the necessary intracellular cryoprotectant and nutrient supply can be used, first for storage of vascular smooth muscle cells, and subsequently to form a suitable tissue‐engineering scaffold during the thawing process. Bovine arterial smooth muscle cells were encapsulated within PVA–gelatin hydrogels over a wide range of serum, DMSO and cell culture medium concentrations. Several parameters expected to affect gelation and cell viability (PVA viscosity, DMSO concentration, serum presence) were assessed with experimental designs and the optimal conditions for cell survival were determined. Cell viability can be improved by increasing concentration of DMSO and serum without compromising the gelation process. An additional crosslinking step using a coagulation bath was beneficial for hydrogel stability but caused peripheral accumulation of cells. In conclusion, a freeze–thaw process can be utilized to prepare and store cell‐laden hydrogels with adjustable mechanical properties. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.