ABSTRACT
Cell encapsulation in three-dimensional (3D) hydrogels can mimic native cell microenvironment and plays a major role in cell-based transplantation therapies. In this contribution, a novel in situ-forming hydrogel, Dex-l-DTT hydrogel ("l" means "linked-by"), by cross-linking glycidyl methacrylate derivatized dextran (Dex-GMA) and dithiothreitol (DTT) under physiological conditions, has been developed using thiol-Michael addition reaction. The mechanical properties, gelation process and degree of swelling of the hydrogel can be easily adjusted by changing the pH of phosphate buffer saline. The 3D cell encapsulation ability is demonstrated by encapsulating rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) and NIH/3T3 fibroblasts into the in situ-forming hydrogel with maintained high viability. The BMSCs also maintain their differentiation potential after encapsulation. These results demonstrate that the Dex-l-DTT hydrogel holds great potential for biomedical field.
Subject(s)
Cross-Linking Reagents/chemistry , Dextrans/chemistry , Dithiothreitol/chemistry , Epoxy Compounds/chemistry , Hydrogels/chemistry , Methacrylates/chemistry , Animals , Bone Marrow Cells/cytology , Bone Marrow Cells/drug effects , Bone Marrow Cells/physiology , Cell Culture Techniques , Cell Differentiation/drug effects , Cell Survival/drug effects , Cells, Immobilized , Hydrogels/pharmacology , Hydrogen-Ion Concentration , Mesenchymal Stem Cells/cytology , Mesenchymal Stem Cells/drug effects , Mesenchymal Stem Cells/physiology , Mice , NIH 3T3 Cells , Phase Transition , RatsABSTRACT
With advanced properties similar to the native extracellular matrix, hydrogels have found widespread applications in tissue engineering. Hydrogel-based cellular constructs have been successfully developed to engineer different tissues such as skin, cartilage and bladder. Whilst significant advances have been made, it is still challenging to fabricate large and complex functional tissues due mainly to the limited diffusion capability of hydrogels. The integration of microfluidic networks and hydrogels can greatly enhance mass transport in hydrogels and spatiotemporally control the chemical microenvironment of cells, mimicking the function of native microvessels. In this review, we present and discuss recent advances in the fabrication of microfluidic hydrogels from the viewpoint of tissue engineering. Further development of new hydrogels and microengineering technologies will have a great impact on tissue engineering.