Polymeric microcarriers for minimally-invasive cell delivery

Abstract

Tissue engineering (TE) aims at restoring tissue defects by applying the three-dimensional (3D) biomimetic pre-formed scaffolds to restore, maintain, and enhance tissue growth. Broadly speaking, this approach has created a potential impact in anticipating organ-building, which could reduce the need for organ replacement therapy. However, the implantation of such cell-laden biomimetic constructs based on substantial open surgeries often results in severe inflammatory reactions at the incision site, leading to the generation of a harsh adverse environment where cell survival is low. To overcome such limitations, micro-sized injectable modularized units based on various biofabrication approaches as ideal delivery vehicles for cells and various growth factors have garnered compelling interest owing to their minimally-invasive nature, ease of packing cells, and improved cell retention efficacy. Several advancements have been made in fabricating various 3D biomimetic microscale carriers for cell delivery applications. In this review, we explicitly discuss the progress of the microscale cell carriers that potentially pushed the borders of TE, highlighting their design, ability to deliver cells and substantial tissue growth in situ and in vivo from different viewpoints of materials chemistry and biology. Finally, we summarize the perspectives highlighting current challenges and expanding opportunities of these innovative carriers.

Biomaterials‐Based Technologies in Skeletal Muscle Tissue Engineering

“…[309] While nanocarriers are being investigated for delivering bioactive molecules, microcarriers for delivering cells or molecules have also received a great deal of attention for their injectable property to avoid massive open surgery using implants for TE, which leads to severe inflammatory reactions at the incision site, and low cell survival rate. [310] The injectable microcarrier is administered through a minimally invasive procedure at the site of application thus minimizing scar formation and ease of packing with cells, allowing for improved cell retention compared to the direct injection of cells alone. [311] Similar to nanocarriers, the physicochemical properties of microcarriers determine their functions and performance.…”

Photocrosslinkable microgels derived from human platelet lysates: injectable biomaterials for cardiac cell culture

“…5 Microcarriers have emerged as potential delivery platforms for cell-based tissue engineering strategies as they offer the possibility to optimize cell engraftment and survival upon transplantation. 6 In this context, an effort on the development of biocompatible microparticles (MPs) has been made over the past decades. These innovative MPs serve as effective cell car-riers and can be seamlessly integrated into minimally invasive, injectable systems for in situ cell delivery.…”