Development and Characterization of Hollow-Shell Collagen Microcapsules for Three-Dimensional Cell Culture.

ABSTRACT: Three-dimensional (3D) cell culture systems require biocompatible carriers that provide both structural support and efficient mass transport. Conventional alginate-based encapsulation systems suffer from poor molecular diffusion, lack of cell adhesion motifs, and structural instability under physiological conditions. Here, we report the first development of hollow-shell collagen microcapsules (CMCs) fabricated via a gelatin sacrificial template approach that overcomes these critical limitations. The hollow architecture combined with collagen's intrinsic bioactivity achieved 2.5-fold enhancement in molecular permeability compared to conventional alginate beads, while maintaining structural integrity for 14 days versus 3-day collapse of alginate controls. NIH 3T3 fibroblasts encapsulated wit

SUBMITTER: Chiwata Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12840939 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature