Improving Viability of Stem Cells During Syringe Needle Flow Through the Design of Hydrogel Cell Carriers

Cell transplantation is a promising therapy for a myriad of debilitating diseases; however, current delivery protocols using direct injection result in poor cell viability. We demonstrate that during the actual cell injection process, mechanical membrane disruption results in significant acute loss of viability at clinically relevant injection rates. As a strategy to protect cells from these damaging forces, we hypothesize that cell encapsulation within hydrogels of specific mechanical properties will significantly improve viability. We use a controlled in vitro model of cell injection to demonstrate success of this acute protection strategy for a wide range of cell types including human umbilical vein…

• NS
  National Science Foundation

  Award: 0735551
• CI
  California Institute for Regenerative Medicine

  Award: RT2-01938
• NI
  National Institutes of Health
• SB
  Stanford Bio-X
• DO
  Division of Emerging Frontiers in Research and Innovation

  Award: CBE-0735551