Abstract
Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) are an attractive source for cell therapies because of their multiple beneficial properties, i.e. via immunomodulation and secretory factors. Microfluidics is particularly attractive for cell encapsulation since it provides a rapid and reproducible methodology for microgel generation of controlled size and simultaneous cell encapsulation. Here, we report the fabrication of hMSC-laden microcarriers based on in situ ionotropic gelation of water-soluble chitosan in a microfluidic device using a combination of an antioxidant glycerylphytate (G(1)Phy) compound and tripolyphosphate (TPP) as ionic crosslinkers (G(1)Phy:TPP-microgels). These microgels showed homogeneous size distributions providing an average diameter of 104 ± 12 μm, somewhat lower than that of control (127 ± 16 μm, TPP-microgels). The presence of G(1)Phy in microgels maintained cell viability over time and upregulated paracrine factor secretion under adverse conditions compared to control TPP-microgels. Encapsulated hMSCs in G(1)Phy:TPP-microgels were delivered to the subcutaneous space of immunocompromised mice via injection, and the delivery process was as simple as the injection of unencapsulated cells. Immediately post-injection, equivalent signal intensities were observed between luciferase-expressing microgel-encapsulated and unencapsulated hMSCs, demonstrating no adverse effects of the microcarrier on initial cell survival. Cell persistence, inferred by bioluminescence signal, decreased exponentially over time showing relatively higher half-life values for G(1)Phy:TPP-microgels compared to TPP-microgels and unencapsulated cells. In overall, results position the microfluidics generated G(1)Phy:TPP-microgels as a promising microcarrier for supporting hMSC survival and reparative activities.