IADR Abstract Archives
Neuroprotective potential of steerable stem cell-based microrobots
Objectives: This research aims to develop novel and advanced bio-functional microrobot which can transport therapeutic stem cells such as stem cells from apical papillae (SCAPs) to a precise location, direct stem cells toward a pre-destined cell lineage, and support cells’ survivability, proliferation, and differentiation. By applying 3D bioprinting and microfluidic technology, the steerable and biodegradable SCAP-based microrobots are engineered and compared for targeted delivery of SCAPs within a controlled microenvironment for increasing survival and neurodifferentiation of SCAPs.
Methods: The proposed study has applied the engineering techniques to encapsulate SCAPs within 3D gelatin methacrylate (GelMA) hydrogel loaded with calcium dioxide and brain-derived neurotrophic factor for fabricating SCAP-mediated microrobots called “SCAPBOT”. Proliferative ability of SCAPs is examined by cell counting kit-8; Oxygen release capacity is detected by oxygen sensor meter; Migration capability of SCAPs is observed by time-lapse microscope; Neural differentiation is detected by immunohistochemistry.
Results: Two types of SCAPBOT were fabricated for comparison using (i) 3D bioprinting and (ii) droplet microfluidic platform. The SCAPBOT was actuated towards the target location by rotating magnetic fields generated by computer-controlled electromagnetic coils. SCAPs can be transported and actuated remotely by the 3D bio-printed and microfluidic droplet fabricated microrobots for directing SCAPs to undergo neural differentiation and demonstrate positive neuroprotective potential.
Conclusions: SCAPBOT fabricated by droplet microfluidics can be navigated efficiently by magnetic field and retain its differentiation capacities to the neurogenic lineage. Thus, this microfluidic engineering approach has the potential to develop the SCAP-based microrobot with embedded functionalities for targeted delivery of therapeutic stem cells.
Methods: The proposed study has applied the engineering techniques to encapsulate SCAPs within 3D gelatin methacrylate (GelMA) hydrogel loaded with calcium dioxide and brain-derived neurotrophic factor for fabricating SCAP-mediated microrobots called “SCAPBOT”. Proliferative ability of SCAPs is examined by cell counting kit-8; Oxygen release capacity is detected by oxygen sensor meter; Migration capability of SCAPs is observed by time-lapse microscope; Neural differentiation is detected by immunohistochemistry.
Results: Two types of SCAPBOT were fabricated for comparison using (i) 3D bioprinting and (ii) droplet microfluidic platform. The SCAPBOT was actuated towards the target location by rotating magnetic fields generated by computer-controlled electromagnetic coils. SCAPs can be transported and actuated remotely by the 3D bio-printed and microfluidic droplet fabricated microrobots for directing SCAPs to undergo neural differentiation and demonstrate positive neuroprotective potential.
Conclusions: SCAPBOT fabricated by droplet microfluidics can be navigated efficiently by magnetic field and retain its differentiation capacities to the neurogenic lineage. Thus, this microfluidic engineering approach has the potential to develop the SCAP-based microrobot with embedded functionalities for targeted delivery of therapeutic stem cells.