Abstract
Construction of 3D tissues by various types of cells with specific characteristics is an important and fundamental technology in tissue reconstruction medicine and animal-free diagnosis system. To do so, an excellent extracellular matrix (ECM) is needed for encapsulation of cells and maintaining cell activity. Spontaneously forming hydrogel matrix is used by complexation between two water-soluble polymers, 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine polymer bearing phenylboronic acid groups and poly(vinyl alcohol). Two cytokines for cell proliferation are immobilized in the hydrogel matrix to control the activities of the encapsulated cells. The cytokine-immobilized hydrogel matrix can encapsulate both L929 fibroblasts and normal human dermal fibroblasts under mild condition. The physical properties of the hydrogel matrix can follow the proliferation process of the encapsulated cells. The encapsulated cells secrete ECM in the polymer hydrogel networks upon 3D culturing for 7 days. Consequently, the tissue-mimicking ECM hybrid hydrogels are fabricated successfully.