The development of biologically instructive biomaterials with application for tissue
regeneration has become the focus of intense research over the last years. This work
reports a novel approach for the production of three-dimensional constructs for tissue
engineering applications based on the assembly of chitosan microparticles exhibiting
specific biological response with cells. Chitosan microparticles with a size range between
20 and 70 μm are functionalized with platelet derived growth factor (PDFG-BB). The
functionalization is achieved by previous immobilization of an anti-PDGF-BB antibody,
using a water-soluble carbodiimide. When incubated with a cocktail of growth
factors-platelet lysates, the previously functionalized particles are able to target PDGF-BB
from the protein mixture. In vitro studies are carried out focusing on the ability of these
systems to promote the assembly into a stable 3D construct triggered by the presence of
human adipose stem cells, which act as crosslinker agents and induce the formation of a
hydrogel network. The presence of immobilized growth factors gives to this system a
biological functionality towards control on cell function. It is also bioresponsive, as cells
drive the assembly process of the microgel. These versatile biomimetic microgels may
provide a powerful tool to be used as an injectable system for non-invasive tissue
engineering applications with additional control over cellular function by creating specific
microenvironments for cell growth.