RESUMEN
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.
Asunto(s)
Reactivos de Enlaces Cruzados/química , Dextranos/química , Ditiotreitol/química , Compuestos Epoxi/química , Hidrogeles/química , Metacrilatos/química , Animales , Células de la Médula Ósea/citología , Células de la Médula Ósea/efectos de los fármacos , Células de la Médula Ósea/fisiología , Técnicas de Cultivo de Célula , Diferenciación Celular/efectos de los fármacos , Supervivencia Celular/efectos de los fármacos , Células Inmovilizadas , Hidrogeles/farmacología , Concentración de Iones de Hidrógeno , Células Madre Mesenquimatosas/citología , Células Madre Mesenquimatosas/efectos de los fármacos , Células Madre Mesenquimatosas/fisiología , Ratones , Células 3T3 NIH , Transición de Fase , RatasRESUMEN
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.