Fibrous Hydrogels for Cell Encapsulation: A Modular and Supramolecular Approach

Abstract

Artificial 3-dimensional (3D) cell culture systems, which mimic the extracellular matrix (ECM), hold great potential as models to study cellular processes under controlled conditions. The natural ECM is a 3D structure composed of a fibrous hydrogel that provides both mechanical and biochemical cues to instruct cell behavior. Here we present an ECM-mimicking genetically engineered protein-based hydrogel as a 3D cell culture system that combines several key features: (1) Mild and straightforward encapsulation meters (1) ease of ut I am not so sure.encapsulation of the cells, without the need of an external crosslinker. (2) Supramolecular assembly resulting in a fibrous architecture that recapitulates some of the unique mechanical characteristics of the ECM, i.e. strain-stiffening and self-healing behavior. (3) A modular approach allowing controlled incorporation of the biochemical cue density (integrin binding RGD domains). We tested the gels by encapsulating MG-63 osteoblastic cells and found that encapsulated cells not only respond to higher RGD density, but also to overall gel concentration. Cells in 1% and 2% (weight fraction) protein gels showed spreading and proliferation, provided a relative RGD density of at least 50%. In contrast, in 4% gels very little spreading and proliferation occurred, even for a relative RGD density of 100%. The independent control over both mechanical and biochemical cues obtained in this modular approach renders our hydrogels suitable to study cellular responses under highly defined conditions.

Scaffolds for 3D in vitro culture of neural lineage cells

“…However, hydrogels have to be maintained in a hydrated state, therefore could possibly suffer from long term stability issues in vitro [112]. Also, densely crosslinked gels can inhibit the natural migration of cells [113].…”

Fibrin hydrogel as a scaffold for differentiation of induced pluripotent stem cells into oligodendrocytes

“…Encapsulated cells can change their encircled hydrogel matrix through the production of the new ECM. On the other hand, cell behavior can be affected by their surrounding hydrogel . Previous studies have demonstrated the positive effect of an RGD motif on cell behavior; specifically, it has been shown that arginine–glycine–aspartic acid (RGD) motifs of fibrin facilitate its binding to cells and growth factors.…”

“…On the other hand, cell behavior can be affected by their surrounding hydrogel. 41,42 Previous studies have demonstrated the positive effect of an RGD motif on cell behavior; specifically, it has been shown that arginine-glycine-aspartic acid (RGD) motifs of fibrin facilitate its binding to cells and growth factors. Cells bind to this motif by their integrins, which is a transmembrane glycoprotein connected to cell cytoskeleton.…”

Functional Polymeric Materials Inspired by Geckos, Mussels, and Spider Silk

“…In the tested scaffold, the pore size was in the range of that of natural extracellular matrix (ECM), which is much smaller than the average cell diameter. Additionally, the gels did not contain any degradation sites, which would allow the cells to remodel the material and migrate …”

“…Picture size: 370 × 370 µm 2 . Reproduced with permission . Copyright 2016, Public Library of Science.…”