Synthesis and application of new microcarriers for animal cell culture. Part II: Application of polystyrene microcarriers

Abstract

In this work (Part II) the application of new polystyrene based microcarriers in cell culture technology is demonstrated. Carriers with a variety of surface modifications were tested as a growth support for cell line BHK 21. The growth behavior of the cells and cell to surface attachment were compared to Cytodex 3 (Pharmacia), which was used as a reference carrier. To select carriers with growth supporting surfaces, broad screening in petri dish experiments was carried out. Candidates with the highest growth rates were investigated in spinner flask experiments in further detail. Polystyrene carrier with a surface modification like triethylamine, maltamine or N-methylglucosamine were able to support growth as good or better as the reference carrier Cytodex 3. Economies of ingredients and ease in laboratory handling could make amine-modified polystyrenes a competitive alternative to currently commercially available microcarrier types.

Hydrogel Modulus Affects Proliferation Rate and Pluripotency of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells Grown in Three-Dimensional Culture

“…An emerging technique to enable the growth of anchorage-dependent stem cells in a tissue-like 3D milieu is the use of microcarriers. , Aiming to provide optimal growth conditions for diverse cell types, microcarriers are usually made from various materials with unique structural and biochemical properties. , Macroporous carriers, for example, have a spongelike structure and are typically made of compliant materials such as gelatin or collagen that allow cells to grow in their internal pores. − Nonmacroporous materials are dense polymeric structure, often made from hydrogels that encapsulate cells during the cross-linking reaction of the polymer network. The encapsulation of cells in microspheres made from a biocompatible nonmacroporous hydrogel matrix also provides a solution to enable the growth of anchorage-dependent stem cells in a niche-like milieu. − The formation of cell-laden hydrogels can be easily achieved and the materials can be further processed into capsules by stabilization of the surface via complexation. − …”

“…In this study, we used a semisynthetic hydrogel made from poly­(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-conjugated to fibrinogen to culture hMSCs, with the aim of providing environmental stimulation in the form of mechanics and biochemistry to encourage high proliferation while maintaining pluripotency. The stimulation was achieved by altering the initial mechanical properties based on the assumption that matrix modulus can be used to control proliferation of hMSCs. ,− ,,, In addition, biological agonists thought to stimulate stem cells were incorporated into the hydrogels. ,,− The cells were cultured in the hydrogels for 14 days, documented in terms of their shape and viability, and quantified thereafter in terms of cell numbers, proliferation, and multipotency markers.…”

“…8 An emerging technique to enable the growth of anchoragedependent stem cells in a tissue-like 3D milieu is the use of microcarriers. 9,10 Aiming to provide optimal growth conditions for diverse cell types, microcarriers are usually made from various materials with unique structural and biochemical properties. 11,12 Macroporous carriers, for example, have a spongelike structure and are typically made of compliant materials such as gelatin or collagen that allow cells to grow in their internal pores.…”

“…The stimulation was achieved by altering the initial mechanical properties based on the assumption that matrix modulus can be used to control proliferation of hMSCs. 6,[10][11][12]17,18,29 In addition, biological agonists thought to stimulate stem cells were incorporated into the hydrogels. 12,28,30−32 The cells were cultured in the hydrogels for 14 days, documented in terms of their shape and viability, and quantified thereafter in terms of cell numbers, proliferation, and multipotency markers.…”

Ultraviolet/ozone treated polystyrene microcarriers for animal cell culture

“…Despite all the advantages that microcarriers bring to cell culture, prices of commercial microcarriers are becoming prohibitively expensive, especially when used at industrial scale . Therefore, in this work, the preparation of polystyrene microcarriers using methods that are relatively easy, simple and very low‐cost are demonstrated.…”