Abstract
Stem cell encapsulation technology demonstrates much promise for the replacement of damaged tissue in several diseases, including spinal cord injury (SCI). The use of biocompatible microcapsules permits the control of stem cell fate in situ to facilitate the replacement of damaged/lost tissue. In this work, a novel customized microfluidic device was developed for the reproducible encapsulation of neural stem cells (NSCs) and dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) within monodisperse, alginate-collagen microcapsules. Both cell types survived within the microcapsules for up to 21 days in culture. Stem cells demonstrated retention of their multipotency and neuronal differentiation properties upon selective release from the microcapsules, as demonstrated by high proliferation rates and the production of stem cell and neuronal lineage markers. When cell-laden microcapsules were transplanted into an organotypic SCI model, the microcapsules effectively retained the transplanted stem cells at the site of implantation. Implanted cells survived over a 10 day period in culture after transplantation and demonstrated commitment to a neural lineage. Our device provides a quick, effective, and aseptic method for the encapsulation of two different stem cell types (DPSCs and NSCs) within alginate-collagen microcapsules. Since stem cells were able to retain their viability and neural differentiation capacity within such microcapsules, this method provides a useful technique to study stem cell behavior within three-dimensional environments.
Highlights
Most of the differentiated cells in adult tissues have a relatively short life span and are continuously replaced by new cells generated from stem/progenitor cells
We have demonstrated that the viability of the cells within the scaffold was maintained over extended time periods and, upon release, they maintained their proliferative and neuronal differentiation potential
The novel microfluidic method used in our lab permitted the production of highly monodisperse stem cell microcapsules, without the use of surfactants, and were gelled in situ in a matter of seconds
Summary
Most of the differentiated cells in adult tissues have a relatively short life span and are continuously replaced by new cells generated from stem/progenitor cells. In the adult mammalian organism, stem cells are found in almost all tissues and play a key role in maintaining cell genesis and renewal in different tissues and organs during the life span of the animal as part of the natural aging process, or after cell loss due to injury or disease.[1]. One of the main differences between embryonic and adult stem cells is their ability to differentiate into different cell types; that is, their potency. Toward a wider range of cell types, regardless whether these cells derive from different germ layers.[3] These observations open a new spectrum of possibilities for adult stem cells to be used in regenerative medicine
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