All-Aqueous-Phase Microfluidics for Cell Encapsulation

• DOI: 10.1021/acsami.8b19234
• Publication Date: 2019-01-16T14:46:18Z
• Authors: Kaixuan Zhu; Yunru Yu; Yue Cheng; Conghui Tian; Gang Zhao; Yuanjin Zhao
• Keywords: Encapsulation; Cell encapsulation

Cell-laden hydrogel microcarriers are widely used in diverse biomedical applications like three-dimensional (3D) cell culture, cellular therapy, and tissue engineering, where were generally produced by oil, which is the common but not optimal choice, as oil may cause cytotoxicity or protein denaturation. Here, an all-aqueous-phase microfluidics presented to achieve oil-free emulsification of cell-laden microcapsules 3D culture. Aqueous solutions with different concentration gradients immiscible continuous phase a dispersed phase, oscillation from solenoid valve facilitates formation at water–water interface. By adjusting aqueous-phase flow rates oscillating frequencies, core–shell controllable structures can be stably continuously generated. In further encapsulated cells maintained good viabilities aggregated together. These features show that microfluidic method have broad prospects many applications.