Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics Research Group

Papers in Scientific Journals

Methacrylated Gellan Gum/Poly-L-lysine Polyelectrolyte Complex Beads for Cell-Based Therapies

Abstract

Cell encapsulation strategies using hydrogel beads have been considered as an alternative to immunosuppression in cell-based therapies. They rely on layer-by-layer (LbL) deposition of polymers to tune beads’ permeability, creating a physical barrier to the host immune system. However, the LbL approach can also create diffusion barriers, hampering the flow of essential nutrients and therapeutic cell products. In this work, polyelectrolyte complex (PEC) methodology was used to circumvent the drawbacks of the LbL strategy, by inducing hydrogel beads formation through the interaction of anionic methacrylated gellan gum (GG-MA) with cationic poly-L-lysine (PLL). The interfacial complexation between both polymers resulted in beads with a cell-friendly GG-MA hydrogel core surrounded by a PEC semipermeable membrane. The beads showed great in vitro stability over time, a semi-permeable behavior, and supported human adipose-derived stem
cells encapsulation. Additionally, and regarding immune recognition, the in vitro and in vivo studies pointed out that the hydrogel beads behave as an immunocompatible system. Overall, the engineered beads showed great potential for hydrogel-mediated cell therapies, when immunoprotection is required, as when treating different metabolic disorders.

Journal
ACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering
Volume
7
Issue
10
Pagination
4898–4913
Publisher
ACS Publications
ISSN
2373-9878
Keywords
Cell therapies, Gellan Gum, poly-l-lysine, Polyelectrolyte Complexes, Tissue engineering
Rights
Restricted Access
Peer Reviewed
Yes
Status
published
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