Title:

Production of Small Scale Microgels for Applications in Cell Encapsulation

Injuries and degenerative diseases can lead to long recoveries and/or irreversible damage. To alleviate these effects, one could inject specific stem cells into the damaged area to enhance growth and limit inflammation. However, direct injection of cells into the body results in low viability and significant dispersion. Hydrogels have been identified as a possible solution for this issue. A hydrated polymeric structure surrounding encapsulated cells increases viability and stabilizes cell location. Nevertheless, conventional hydrogels lack porosity, mitigating cell growth and penetration of host biology. To address this, Jeong Lab uses novel injectable microporous hydrogels made of gelatin microgels to promote cell spreading and proliferation. Microgels are formed through an oil emulsion and then cured with microbial transglutaminase (mTG) to form a bulk hydrogel with interstitial space. My summer research focused on the alteration of microgel diameter. Controlling microgel diameter can influence hydrogel properties such as nutrient transfer and available surface area, and cellular responses such as cell morphology, spreading, and differentiation. A successful reduction of microgel diameter to an eighth of the original size was achieved along with tests on rheological properties and cytotoxicity. Conclusive results on the behavior of cells in this new environment are yet to be completed.

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