Improving viability of stem cells during syringe needle flow through the design of hydrogel cell carriers.

ABSTRACT: Cell transplantation is a promising therapy for a myriad of debilitating diseases; however, current delivery protocols using direct injection result in poor cell viability. We demonstrate that during the actual cell injection process, mechanical membrane disruption results in significant acute loss of viability at clinically relevant injection rates. As a strategy to protect cells from these damaging forces, we hypothesize that cell encapsulation within hydrogels of specific mechanical properties will significantly improve viability. We use a controlled in vitro model of cell injection to demonstrate success of this acute protection strategy for a wide range of cell types including human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC), human adipose stem cells, rat mesenchymal stem cells, and mou

SUBMITTER: Aguado BA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3313609 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature