Modular scaffolds assembled around living cells using poly(ethylene glycol) microspheres with macroporation via a non-cytotoxic porogen.

ABSTRACT: Modular, bioactive, macroporous scaffolds were formed by crosslinking poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) microspheres around living cells. Hydrogel microspheres were produced from reactive PEG derivatives in aqueous sodium sulfate solutions without the use of surfactants or copolymers. Microspheres were formed following thermally induced phase separation if the gel point was reached prior to extensive coarsening of the PEG-rich domains. Three types of PEG microspheres with different functionalities were used to form scaffolds: one type provided mechanical support, the second type provided controlled delivery of the angiogenesis-promoting molecule, sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) and the third type served as a slowly dissolving non-cytotoxic porogen. Scaffolds were formed by centrifuging microsphere

SUBMITTER: Scott EA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2787810 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature