Neovascularization is critical in restoring blood flow to ischemic tissue in numerous disease states across species. Endothelial colony forming cells (ECFCs) are highly proliferative and can participate in new blood vessel formation, making them a good source for cell-based therapy. However, cells that are injected directly may have low viability and poor retention at the targeted injection site due to the high shear forces and mechanical wash out. In this study, a custom-built microfluidic encapsulation system was developed for rapid production of ECFC-laden poly(ethylene glycol)-fibrinogen (PF) hydrogel microspheres. This system successfully encapsulated ECFCs at a cell density (10 million cells/mL) that was clinically relevant for cell delivery through injection without sacrificing uniformity and reproducibility. Encapsulated ECFCs maintained high cell viability (&gt;95%), robust proliferative capability, and cellular phenotype. <i>Ex vivo</i> and <i>in vivo</i> cell delivery studies were performed by injecting microspheres containing autologous equine ECFCs subcutaneously into distal limb full thickness wounds of adult horses. The cells were labeled with fluorescent nanodots prior to encapsulation for long-term tracking. One week after injection, biopsies of the wounds were analyzed using confocal microscopy. Migration of encapsulated ECFCs into the surrounding host tissue was observed, indicating successful retention and survival of the injected ECFCs and demonstrating feasibility for injectable cell delivery.

Novel microfluidic system for encapsulation of equine endothelial colony forming cells for local cell delivery

255th National Meeting (2018)

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.