Collagen‐Tannic Acid Spheroids for β‐Cell Encapsulation Fabricated Using a 3D Bioprinter. Issue 7 (20th February 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Clua‐Ferré, Laura; De Chiara, Francesco; Rodríguez‐Comas, Júlia; Comelles, Jordi; Martinez, Elena; Godeau, Amelie Luise; García‐Alamán, Ainhoa; Gasa, Rosa; Ramón‐Azcón, Javier
• Is Part Of: Advanced materials technologies. Volume 7:Issue 7(2022)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2022-02-20
• Subjects: 3D bioprinter -- microspheres -- encapsulation -- collagen -- β‐cell; Materials science -- Periodicals; Technological innovations -- Periodicals; Materials science; Technological innovations; Periodicals; 620.1105
• DOI: 10.1002/admt.202101696
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2365-709X

Abstract

Abstract: Type 1 Diabetes results from autoimmune response elicited against β‐cell antigens. Nowadays, insulin injections remain the leading therapeutic option. However, injection treatment fails to emulate the highly dynamic insulin release that β‐cells provide. 3D cell‐laden microspheres have been proposed during the last years as a major platform for bioengineering insulin‐secreting constructs for tissue graft implantation and a model for in vitro drug screening platforms. Current microsphere fabrication technologies have several drawbacks: the need for an oil phase containing surfactants, diameter inconsistency of the microspheres, and high time‐consuming processes. These technologies have widely used alginate for its rapid gelation, high processability, and low cost. However, its low biocompatible properties do not provide effective cell attachment. This study proposes a high‐throughput methodology using a 3D bioprinter that employs an ECM‐like microenvironment for effective cell‐laden microsphere production to overcome these limitations. Crosslinking the resulting microspheres with tannic acid prevents collagenase degradation and enhances spherical structural consistency while allowing the diffusion of nutrients and oxygen. The approach allows customization of microsphere diameter with extremely low variability. In conclusion, a novel bio‐printing procedure is developed to fabricate large amounts of reproducible microspheres capable of secreting insulin in response to extracellular glucose stimuli. Abstract : This work develops a high‐throughput methodology using a 3D bioprinter to encapsulate β‐cells in a collagen bioink crosslinked with tannic acid. These results demonstrate that the high‐throughput approach facilitates the fabrication of a cell encapsulation system that ensures the survival and functionality of insulin‐producing β‐cells. This strategy can help improve clinical outcomes of β‐cell transplantation strategies for diabetes treatment.