Human embryonic stem cells (hESC) are characterized by two unique properties: self-renewal and pluripotency. Conventionally, differentiation of hESCs is induced by soluble growth factors. More recently, it has been established that unique features of the surrounding biophysical environment can influence cell fate. We present a hybrid, material-based system to induce and sustain the differentiation of hESCs towards pancreatic lineage.We have earlier developed a directed differentiation protocol to derive islet-like cells from hESCs using chemical cues. In the current project we encapsulated hESCs in calcium-alginate capsules, propagated them until the hESCs form discernible colonies. These encapsulated cells, when further induced towards pancreatic lineage with chemical cues exhibited a differentiation phenotype  significantly stronger compared to parallel cultures on conventional tissue culture plastic. We further modified the alginate capsules by incorporating chitosan nanoparticles in the alginate matrix. In the presence of chitosan nanoparticles the hESCs spontaneously differentiated to definitive endoderm germ layer , which could be further induced towards pancreatic maturation.

Designing hybrid materials for directed differentiation of human embryonic stem cells

247th National Meeting (2014)

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