Injectable Cardiac Cell Microdroplets for Tissue Regeneration

Idan Gal, Reuven Edri, Nadav Noor, Matan Rotenberg, Michael Namestnikov, Itai Cabilly, Assaf Shapira, Tal Dvir

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

29 Scopus citations

Abstract

One of the strategies for heart regeneration includes cell delivery to the defected heart. However, most of the injected cells do not form quick cell–cell or cell–matrix interactions, therefore, their ability to engraft at the desired site and improve heart function is poor. Here, the use of a microfluidic system is reported for generating personalized hydrogel-based cellular microdroplets for cardiac cell delivery. To evaluate the system's limitations, a mathematical model of oxygen diffusion and consumption within the droplet is developed. Following, the microfluidic system's parameters are optimized and cardiac cells from neonatal rats or induced pluripotent stem cells are encapsulated. The morphology and cardiac specific markers are assessed and cell function within the droplets is analyzed. Finally, the cellular droplets are injected to mouse gastrocnemius muscle to validate cell retention, survival, and maturation within the host tissue. These results demonstrate the potential of this approach to generate personalized cellular microtissues, which can be injected to distinct regions in the body for treating damaged tissues.

Original languageEnglish
Article number1904806
JournalSmall
Volume16
Issue number8
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Feb 2020
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • cell delivery
  • droplets
  • hydrogels
  • microfluidics
  • microscale

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Biotechnology
  • Biomaterials
  • General Chemistry
  • General Materials Science

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