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Techniques in microfluidics: creation of microspheres for cellular encapsulation
Author(s) -
Tesche Leora Jeanne,
Gavigan Thomas,
Samuelson Lisa,
Gerber David
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.23.1_supplement.1004.8
Subject(s) - cell encapsulation , nanotechnology , microsphere , transplantation , cell therapy , microfluidics , scaffold , tissue engineering , cell , 3d bioprinting , stem cell , 3d cell culture , biomedical engineering , materials science , microbiology and biotechnology , chemistry , medicine , biology , surgery , biochemistry , chemical engineering , engineering
Background With new innovations in stem cell research, cell therapy as a treatment modality has broad potential. Current pursuits range from treatment of diabetes and cardiovascular disorders to wound healing and aesthetic medicine. For stem cell therapy to be realized, a reliable method for transplanting cells is critical. Currently, technical difficulties including mechanical shearing and failure of a cell to engraft limit the long‐term survival of transplanted cells. Microencapsulation of cells within a protective biosphere allows cells to be safely injected into the host where they can proliferate and engraft providing therapeutic benefit. Research Proposal This abstract describes a novel technique of creating a two layered microsphere. In this model, cells suspended within a nutrient rich collagen matrix are encapsulated by a protective alginate coating. Methods Specially patterned microfluidic molds are created using lithography. T‐junction geometry within the mold creates 200μ spheres which contain select cell populations. Phase contrast imaging is used to track cell growth within the microspheres. Results Hepatic cells survive and proliferate within this microenvironment for extended periods in culture, up to 2 weeks. Discussion Perfecting this technique has implications in studying 3‐dimesional cell culture as well as cellular transplantation.