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Dual-crosslinked homogeneous alginate microspheres for mesenchymal stem cell encapsulation

  • Biomaterials Synthesis and Characterization
  • Original Research
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Abstract

A smart hydrogel material was used in combination with custom microfluidic devices (MFDs) to create microspheres for human mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) encapsulation. Methods for fabricating homogeneous stimuli-responsive microspheres for MSC encapsulation and cell delivery have gained interest to increase viability and manipulate microencapsulation within microspheres 10–1000 µm in diameter. Herein, MFDs were combined with non-toxic smart hydrogel materials to tune both the size and mechanics of the microspheres. Traditional hydrogels have a single input/stimulus for crosslinking, utilize potentially toxic ultraviolet radiation, and fail to mimic surrounding musculoskeletal tissue mechanics. Thus, it is highly beneficial to encapsulate MSCs inside a mechanically-stable microsphere made from naturally-derived materials. The objectives of this research were to optimize microsphere fabrication techniques using custom microfluidic devices (MFDs), and to encapsulate viable MSCs within visible-light crosslinked smart-alginate microspheres, with tunable mechanical properties. Microsphere production was characterized optically, and MSC viability, post-encapsulation, was verified using a standard florescence assay. Cell viability was maintained in chemically-modified alginate homogenous microspheres post encapsulation, and after subsequent crosslinking via green light exposure.

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Acknowledgements

The authors gratefully acknowledge members of the Engineered Biomaterials Research Laboratory at the University of Vermont, for their support and advice. This work was supported by the College of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences at the University of Vermont.

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Author notes

  1. Co-first author: Jennifer N. Etter

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, USA

    Jennifer N. Etter, Michael Karasinski, Jesse Ware & Rachael A. Floreani

  2. Department of Electrical and Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, USA

    Rachael A. Floreani

  3. Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, USA

    Rachael A. Floreani

Authors
  1. Jennifer N. Etter
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  2. Michael Karasinski
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Correspondence to Rachael A. Floreani.

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Etter, J.N., Karasinski, M., Ware, J. et al. Dual-crosslinked homogeneous alginate microspheres for mesenchymal stem cell encapsulation. J Mater Sci: Mater Med 29, 143 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10856-018-6151-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10856-018-6151-4

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