Injectable Microfluidic Hydrogel Microspheres for Cell and Drug Delivery

Abstract

Microfluidic hydrogel microspheres have been broadly studied across a wide range of industries and applications, and their use in the medical field, including control cells and drug delivery, is increasing. The usual design of these materials is intended to enable the efficient and smart encapsulation of cells and/or drugs in microspheres in which the functionalities and features are effectively controlled, lending itself some unique properties. These characteristics promote exchanges and cooperation in multiple disciplines and boost the development of precision medicine, new manufacturing technologies, and applied materials. This review begins with a discussion of microfluidic hydrogel microspheres and then introduces the preparation equipment, main principles, and related characteristics of the microspheres. Furthermore, the medical applications of microfluidic hydrogel microspheres for delivering cells and drugs are emphasized. Finally, this review discusses perspectives and future directions for accelerating the development and application of microfluidic hydrogel microspheres for controlled delivery.

Transcriptome Analysis Revealed the Symbiosis Niche of 3D Scaffolds to Accelerate Bone Defect Healing

“…In the case of low inflammatory response, whether the adhesion of B cells and leukocyte in the regenerated tissue region is beneficial to the bone regeneration process still needs further research. Due to the convenient design of 3D structure (such as microspheres, nanoparticles, and fibers), good absorbability, controllable degradation rate and excellent delivery function of hydrogels, [ 32 , 38 ] mechanisms of immune cell types, and related signaling pathways involved in this study can be further studied and using hydrogel scaffold to provide a symbiosis niche and improve bone regeneration by targeting inflammatory response. In addition, it is worth noting that the natural bone healing phases include inflammatory response, granulation tissue, soft callus, hard callus, and bone remodeling, [ 19 , 20 , 21 ] but the symbiosis niche provided by scaffold will shorten the duration of each phase and accelerate the whole bone healing process.…”

Rational Design and Preparation of Functional Hydrogels for Skin Wound Healing

“…Compared to the traditional bulk hydrogels, hydrogel microspheres are smaller in size and can reach the nanoscale. Hydrogel microspheres can be used to deliver drugs, bioactive factors, and stem cells for tissue repair ( Zhao Z. et al, 2021 ). The commonly used preparation methods of hydrogel microspheres are batch emulsion, microfluidic, lithography, electro jetting, and mechanical crushing ( Daly et al, 2020 ).…”

Microfluidic-Based Droplets for Advanced Regenerative Medicine: Current Challenges and Future Trends

“…These spherical cell-laden 3D scaffolds mimic the microenvironments needed for the proliferation and differentiation of stem cells, and generate the desirable mechanical, chemical, and physiological properties required for supporting damaged organs [ 94 ]. These systems can also encapsulate different types of cells, as well as biomolecules such as growth hormones, exosomes, biological stimulators, and various nanoparticles [ 95 ]. Therefore, the fabricated microgels can ultimately serve as functional building blocks for injection to the tissue constructs.…”