Abstract:In order to hold non-adhesive type cells while maintaining cellular interactions and various autocrine/paracrine factors, a micro 3D culture system using Hyaluronan (HA)-type I collagen capsules was investigated as a possible scaffold for cell transplantation. Skeletal muscle-derived enzymatically extracted cells, which include numerous non-adhesive type stem cells were cultured in conventional liquid DMEM with and without encapsulation in HA-collagen capsules, and cellular proliferation/differentiation were compared. Results indicate that encapsulation does not disturb any cellular proliferation/differentiation after 7 days of culture. Gradual increases in vascular endothelial growth factor are also confirmed in HA-collagen culture, which may be induced by slower diffusion of autocrine/paracrine factors in the capsule and may benefit cellular proliferation/differentiation. Cell-holding capacity of encapsulation was also tested by in vivo transplantation into wide-open muscle scars without fascia. Encapsulation significantly contributes to higher donor cell implantation ratio and damaged muscle mass recovery than that of non-capsulation.