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Zhang Y, Ding X, Yang Z, Wang J, Li C, Zhou G. Emerging Microfluidic Building Blocks for Cultured Meat Construction. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2025; 17:8771-8793. [PMID: 39884858 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.4c19276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2025]
Abstract
Cultured meat aims to produce meat mass by culturing cells and tissues based on the muscle regeneration mechanism, and is considered an alternative to raising and slaughtering livestock. Hydrogel building blocks are commonly used as substrates for cell culture in tissue engineering and cultured meat because of their high water content, biocompatibility, and similar three-dimensional (3D) environment to the cellular niche in vivo. With the characteristics of precise manipulation of fluids, microfluidics exhibits advantages in the fabrication of building blocks with different structures and components, which have been widely applied in tissue regeneration. Microfluidic building blocks show promising prospects in the field of cultured meat; however, few reviews on the application of microfluidic building blocks in cultured meat have been published. This review outlines the recent status and prospects of the use of microfluidic building blocks in cultured meat. Starting with the introduction of cells and materials for cultured meat tissue construction, we then describe the diverse structures of the fabricated building blocks, including microspheres, microfibers, and microsphere-microfiber hybrid systems. Next, the stacking strategies for tissue construction are highlighted in detail. Finally, challenges and future prospects for developing microfluidic building blocks for cultured meat are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Meat Quality Control and Cultured Meat Development, Key Laboratory of Meat Processing, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Meat Production and Processing, Quality and Safety Control, College of Food Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Xi Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Meat Quality Control and Cultured Meat Development, Key Laboratory of Meat Processing, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Meat Production and Processing, Quality and Safety Control, College of Food Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Zijiang Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Meat Quality Control and Cultured Meat Development, Key Laboratory of Meat Processing, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Meat Production and Processing, Quality and Safety Control, College of Food Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Jie Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Meat Quality Control and Cultured Meat Development, Key Laboratory of Meat Processing, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Meat Production and Processing, Quality and Safety Control, College of Food Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Chunbao Li
- State Key Laboratory of Meat Quality Control and Cultured Meat Development, Key Laboratory of Meat Processing, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Meat Production and Processing, Quality and Safety Control, College of Food Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Guanghong Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Meat Quality Control and Cultured Meat Development, Key Laboratory of Meat Processing, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Meat Production and Processing, Quality and Safety Control, College of Food Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
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Abbas SEM, Maged G, Wang H, Lotfy A. Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cells Microencapsulation for Cell Therapy. Cells 2025; 14:149. [PMID: 39936941 PMCID: PMC11817150 DOI: 10.3390/cells14030149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2024] [Revised: 01/11/2025] [Accepted: 01/16/2025] [Indexed: 02/13/2025] Open
Abstract
Cell microencapsulation is one of the most studied strategies to overcome the challenges associated with the implementation of mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) in vivo. This approach isolates/shields donor MSCs from the host immune system using a semipermeable membrane that allows for the diffusion of gases, nutrients, and therapeutics, but not host immune cells. As a result, microencapsulated MSCs survive and engraft better after infusion, and they can be delivered specifically to the targeted site. Additionally, microencapsulation enables the co-culture of MSCs with different types of cells in a three-dimensional (3D) environment, allowing for better cellular interaction. Alginate, collagen, and cellulose are the most popular materials, and air jet extrusion, microfluidics, and emulsion are the most used techniques for MSC cell encapsulation in the literature. These materials and techniques differ in the size range of the resultant microcapsules and their compatibility with the applied materials. This review discusses various materials and techniques used for the microencapsulation of MSCs. We also shed light on the recent findings in this field, the advantages and drawbacks of using encapsulated MSCs, and the in vivo translation of the microencapsulated MSCs in cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ghada Maged
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, Alexandria 21526, Egypt
| | - Hongjun Wang
- Department of Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
- Ralph H. Johnson Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
| | - Ahmed Lotfy
- Department of Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
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Adeyemi SA, Choonara YE. Current advances in cell therapeutics: A biomacromolecules application perspective. Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2022; 19:521-538. [PMID: 35395914 DOI: 10.1080/17425247.2022.2064844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Many chronic diseases have evolved and to circumvent the limitations of using conventional drug therapies, smart cell encapsulating delivery systems have been explored to customize the treatment with alignment to disease longevity. Cell therapeutics has advanced in tandem with improvements in biomaterials that can suitably deliver therapeutic cells to achieve targeted therapy. Among the promising biomacromolecules for cell delivery are those that share bio-relevant architecture with the extracellular matrix and display extraordinary compatibility in the presence of therapeutic cells. Interestingly, many biomacromolecules that fulfil these tenets occur naturally and can form hydrogels. AREAS COVERED This review provides a concise incursion into the paradigm shift to cell therapeutics using biomacromolecules. Advances in the design and use of biomacromolecules to assemble smart therapeutic cell carriers is discussed in light of their pivotal role in enhancing cell encapsulation and delivery. In addition, the principles that govern the application of cell therapeutics in diabetes, neuronal disorders, cancers and cardiovascular disease are outlined. EXPERT OPINION Cell therapeutics promises to revolutionize the treatment of various secretory cell dysfunctions. Current and future advances in designing functional biomacromolecules will be critical to ensure that optimal delivery of therapeutic cells is achieved with desired biosafety and potency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samson A Adeyemi
- Wits Advanced Drug Delivery Platform Research Unit, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, School of Therapeutic Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 7 York Road, Parktown, 2193, South Africa
| | - Yahya E Choonara
- Wits Advanced Drug Delivery Platform Research Unit, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, School of Therapeutic Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 7 York Road, Parktown, 2193, South Africa
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Chang SH, Huang HH, Kang PL, Wu YC, Chang MH, Kuo SM. In vitro and in vivo study of the application of volvox spheres to co-culture vehicles in liver tissue engineering. Acta Biomater 2017; 63:261-273. [PMID: 28941653 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2017.09.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2017] [Revised: 08/17/2017] [Accepted: 09/19/2017] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Volvox sphere is a biomimetic concept of a natural Volvox, wherein a large outer sphere contains smaller inner spheres, which can encapsulate cells and provide a double-layer three-dimensional environment for culturing cells. This study simultaneously encapsulated rat mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and AML12 hepatocytes in volvox spheres and extensively evaluated the effects of various culturing modes on cell functions and fates. The results showed that compared with a static flask culture, MSCs encapsulated in volvox spheres differentiated into hepatocyte-like cells with a 2-fold increase in albumin (ALB) expression and a 2.5-fold increase in cytokeratin 18 expression in a dynamic bioreactor. Moreover, the restorative effects of volvox spheres encapsulating cells on retrorsine-exposed CCl4-induced liver injuries in rats were evaluated. The data presented significant reductions in AST and ALT levels after the implantation of volvox spheres encapsulating both MSCs and AML12 hepatocytes in vivo. In contrast to the negative control group, histopathological analysis demonstrated liver repair and formation of the new liver tissue in groups implanted with volvox spheres containing cells. These results demonstrate that liver cells implanted with volvox spheres encapsulating both MSCs and AML12 hepatocytes promote liver repair and liver tissue regeneration in liver failure caused by necrotizing agents such as retrorsine and CCl4. Hence, volvox spheres encapsulating MSCs and liver cells can be a promising and clinically effective therapy for liver injury. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE In this study, we used a volvox sphere, which is a unique design that mimics the natural Volvox, that consists of a large outer sphere that contains smaller inner spheres, which provide a three-dimensional environment to culture cells. The purpose of this study is to co-culture mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and AML12 liver cells in volvox spheres and evaluate two different culture methods, dynamic bioreactor and static culture flask,on the cultured cells. In addition, we aimed to evaluate the restorative effects of volvox spheres encapsulating MSCs and/or AML12 liver cells on rats with retrorsine-exposed CCl4-induced liver injuries. The results showed that MSCs encapsulated in volvox spheres differentiated into hepatocyte-like cells with a 2-fold increase in albumin expression and a 2.5-fold increase in cytokeratin 18 expression ina dynamic bioreactor. Moreover, the data presented significant reductions in AST and ALT levels after the implantation of volvox spheres encapsulating both MSCs and AML12 hepatocytes in vivo. In contrast to the negative control group, histopathological analysis demonstrated liver repair and formation of new liver tissue in groups implanted with volvox spheres containing cells. These results demonstrate that liver cells implanted with volvox spheres encapsulating both MSCs and AML12 hepatocytes promote liver repair and liver tissue regeneration in liver failure caused by necrotizing agents such as retrorsine and CCl4. Hence, volvox spheres encapsulating MSCs and liver cells can be a promising and clinically effective therapy for liver injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siou Han Chang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
| | - Han Hsiang Huang
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, National Chiayi University, Chiayi City, Taiwan
| | - Pei Leun Kang
- Cardiac Surgery, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
| | - Yu Chian Wu
- Kaohsiung Armed Force General Hospital, Department of Surgery, Division of General Surgery, Taiwan; National Kaohsiung University of Hospitality and Tourism, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Huang Chang
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, National Chiayi University, Chiayi City, Taiwan
| | - Shyh Ming Kuo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan.
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Zhang L, Guan Z, Ye JS, Yin YF, Stoltz JF, de Isla N. Research progress in liver tissue engineering. Biomed Mater Eng 2017; 28:S113-S119. [PMID: 28372286 DOI: 10.3233/bme-171632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Liver transplantation is the definitive treatment for patients with end-stage liver diseases (ESLD). However, it is hampered by shortage of liver donor. Liver tissue engineering, aiming at fabricating new livers in vitro, provides a potential resolution for donor shortage. Three elements need to be considered in liver tissue engineering: seeding cell resources, scaffolds and bioreactors. Studies have shown potential cell sources as hepatocytes, hepatic cell line, mesenchymal stem cells and others. They need scaffolds with perfect biocompatiblity, suitable micro-structure and appropriate degradation rate, which are essential charateristics for cell attachment, proliferation and secretion in forming extracellular matrix. The most promising scaffolds in research include decellularized whole liver, collagens and biocompatible plastic. The development and function of cells in scaffold need a microenvironment which can provide them with oxygen, nutrition, growth factors, et al. Bioreactor is expected to fulfill these requirements by mimicking the living condition in vivo. Although there is great progress in these three domains, a large gap stays still between their researches and applications. Herein, we summarized the recent development in these three major fields which are indispensable in liver tissue engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Zhang
- BRC, First Hospital of Kun Ming (Affiliated Calmette Hospital of Kunming Medical University), Kunming, China
| | - Zheng Guan
- BRC, First Hospital of Kun Ming (Affiliated Calmette Hospital of Kunming Medical University), Kunming, China
| | - Jun-Song Ye
- BRC, First Hospital of Kun Ming (Affiliated Calmette Hospital of Kunming Medical University), Kunming, China
| | - Yan-Feng Yin
- BRC, First Hospital of Kun Ming (Affiliated Calmette Hospital of Kunming Medical University), Kunming, China
| | - Jean-François Stoltz
- Lorraine University and CNRS UNR 7365, Medical college, Vandoeuvre-lès-Nancy, France.,CHRU Nancy, Unité Therapie Cellulaire et Tissulaire, Vandoeuvre-lès-Nancy, France
| | - Natalia de Isla
- Lorraine University and CNRS UNR 7365, Medical college, Vandoeuvre-lès-Nancy, France
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Lou S, Zhang X, Zhang J, Deng J, Kong D, Li C. Pancreatic islet surface bioengineering with a heparin-incorporated starPEG nanofilm. MATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING. C, MATERIALS FOR BIOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS 2017; 78:24-31. [PMID: 28575981 DOI: 10.1016/j.msec.2017.03.295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2017] [Revised: 03/28/2017] [Accepted: 03/31/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Cell surface engineering could protect implanted cells from host immune rejections while modify the cellular landscape for better post-transplantation graft function and survival. Islet transplantation is considered the most promising therapeutic option with the potential to cure diabetes. Current approach to improve clinical efficacy of pancreatic islet transplantation is alginate encapsulation. However, disappointing outcomes have been reported in clinical trials due to larger islet size resulted by encapsulation and alginate-elicited host immune responses. We have developed an ultrathin nanofilm of starPEG with incorporated heparin (Hep-PEG) that binds covalently to the amine groups of islet surface membrane via its N-hydroxysuccinimide groups. The Hep-PEG nanocoating elicited minimal alteration on islet volume in culture. Hep-PEG-coated islets exhibited robust islet viability accompanied by uncompromised islet insulin secretory function. Instant blood-mediated inflammatory reaction was also reduced by Hep-PEG islet coating, accompanied by enhanced intra-islet revascularization. In addition, despite its semi-permeability, Hep-PEG islet coating promoted the survival of islets exposed to pro-inflammatory cytokines. Considering that inflammation and hypoxia are primary causes of immediate cell loss for cell therapy, the Hep-PEG nanofilm represents a viable approach for cell surface engineering which would improve the clinical outcome of cell therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaofeng Lou
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Xiuyuan Zhang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Biomaterial Research, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Chinese Academy of Medical Science& Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin 300192, China
| | - Jimin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Juan Deng
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Biomaterial Research, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Chinese Academy of Medical Science& Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin 300192, China
| | - Deling Kong
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Biomaterial Research, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Chinese Academy of Medical Science& Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin 300192, China.
| | - Chen Li
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Biomaterial Research, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Chinese Academy of Medical Science& Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin 300192, China.
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