Stiff Hydrogel Encapsulation Retains Mesenchymal Stem Cell Stemness for Regenerative Medicine.

ABSTRACT: Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) stands as a prominent choice in regenerative medicine, yet their therapeutic potential remains controversial due to challenges in maintaining lineage and viability. As directly injected MSCs are quickly cleared by the host immune system, entrapping viable cells in a 3D semi-permeable hydrogel matrix extends cell retention, showing great promise in enhancing therapeutic effect. However, the effects of hydrogel encapsulation on MSC subpopulations are not fully understood. Here, we fabricate thin-shell alginate hydrogel microcapsules using droplet microfluidics, controlling the shell mechanical properties by adjusting alginate molecular weight. We find that a stiffer shell increases the proliferation and supports the residence of MSCs in vivo than a softer shell. T

SUBMITTER: Li B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11567665 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature