Novel approach for neuronal stem cell differentiation using aqueous two‐phase systems in 3D cultures

Abstract

Stem cell therapy has emerged as a promising alternative for replacing lost cells involved in neurodegenerative diseases. High efficiency of differentiation and full cell viability are actual challenges to achieve the translation of cell therapies to the clinic. To address this, the construction of aqueous two-phase systems in three-dimensional (ATPS-3D) cultures has been proposed. This technique involves the combination of two polymers in which cells are confined in dextran droplets immersed over a substrate located in a poly(ethylene glycol) phase. The controlled placement of cells in a defined pattern promotes intercellular communication. This review aims to provide insight into the techniques used to enhance neural differentiation and current challenges to achieve the implementation of cell therapies. Cell density, colony size, interconnectivity and an appropriate substrate to modulate paracrine signaling are factors that determine neural differentiation efficiency during the construction of ATPS-3D cultures. Hence, this contact-free technique enables the design of neural niches to recapitulate in vivo environments more accurately.

Stem cell culture media enriched with plant‐derived compounds: Cell differentiation enhancement

“…This transition has also led to the search for new alternatives in using cytokines and growth factors as paracrine signals. In this context, the optimization of differentiation protocols can also be improved by the supplementation of plant derivatives which can be evaluated in three‐dimensional cultures using ATPSs for neural differentiation from SCs 90 . Furthermore, scaffolds and delivery systems have become popular for therapeutic and regenerative medicine purposes.…”

“…In this context, the optimization of differentiation protocols can also be improved by the supplementation of plant derivatives which can be evaluated in three-dimensional cultures using ATPSs for neural differentiation from SCs. 90 Furthermore, scaffolds and delivery systems have become popular for therapeutic and regenerative medicine purposes. This technology could also be applied for delivery systems in which phytochemicals can be embedded into scaffolds and then released to execute their function for regenerative applications.…”

Characterization of polymer‐polymer aqueous two‐phase system droplets for 3D culture future applications

“…As a result of this biphasic property, the recovery and purification 3 of high‐value biomolecules, 4,5 including cells, 6,7 have been highly exploited. In this context, cell‐based polymer–polymer ATPS technologies have led to the development of high‐throughput 3D platforms, 8 highlighting the construction of 3D cultures using ATPS (ATPS‐3D) as a novel strategy for therapeutic and tissue engineering applications 9 …”

“…In this context, cell-based polymer-polymer ATPS technologies have led to the development of high-throughput 3D platforms, 8 highlighting the construction of 3D cultures using ATPS (ATPS-3D) as a novel strategy for therapeutic and tissue engineering applications. 9 The first studies of using ATPS as a biopatterning technique began in early 2010, in which the delivery of genetic material in defined shapes has been reported. 10 This ATPS property enabled the translation into the encapsulation of stem cells (SCs) in polymer-polymer ATPS droplets distributed in specific cell patterns promoting cell viability and intercellular communication.…”