Phase Separation Microparticles as a Three-Dimensional Cell Culture System To Promote Stem Cell Expansion

Abstract

Stem cell therapy is developing rapidly, but existing expansion techniques are insufficient for the use of a large number of cells. The surface chemistry and surface morphology characteristics of materials play a critical role in cellular behaviors and functions and have guiding significance for the design of biomaterials. Many studies have proven that these factors are essential to affect cell adhesion and growth. How to design a suitable biomaterial interface is the focus of recent studies. Here, the mechanosensing of human adipose-derived stem cells (hASC) on a set of materials and materials with various porosity is systematically studied. Guided by the mechanism discoveries, three-dimensional (3D) microparticles with optimized hydrophilicity and morphology are designed via liquid–liquid phase separation technology. The microparticles support scalable stem cell culture and extracellular matrix (ECM) collection, exhibiting great potential for stem cell applications.

Aligned Nanofibers Promote Myoblast Polarization and Myogenesis through Activating Rac-Related Signaling Pathways

“…As universally acknowledged, cells possess the ability to perceive various physical cues at the cell–ECM interface, such as stiffness, − topography, , and ligand presentation. − These cues are sensed by mechanosensitive receptors and subsequently transduced into biochemical signals that regulate cellular functions and phenotypes. , While numerous studies have investigated the response of muscle cells to stiffness and surface chemistry, limited attention has been given to exploring the influence of topography. Cells possess the ability to spread through a stress fiber-based adhesive pathway, wherein myosin generates intracellular force that is transmitted to both the ECM and nucleus. , In general, cells cultured on stiff substrates exhibit a well-organized actomyosin cytoskeleton assembly .…”

Human extracellular matrix (ECM)-like collagen and its bioactivity

“…porous materials [ 21 ], microcarrier templating [ 22 ] and hydrogel network) [ 23 ]. To increase collagen production, we used porous materials with interconnected pores, which are ideal scaffolds for the colonization of seeded cells and matrix accumulation due to large specific surface areas and free space [ 24 , 25 ]. Polyethersulfone (PES) scaffold was chosen due to its optimal hydrophilicity that benefits protein absorption and further cell attachment.…”