Author(s):
Maciel, Marta M. ; Correia, Tiago R. ; Gaspar, Vítor M. ; Rodrigues, João M. M. ; Choi, Insung S. ; Mano, J. F.
Date: 2021
Persistent ID: https://hdl.handle.net/1822/73639
Origin: RepositóriUM - Universidade do Minho
Subject(s): Advanced cell-material interactions; Cell partial coatings; Cell-based materials; Organicinorganic hybrid composites; Solgel processes; advanced cell‐ material interactions; cell‐ based materials; organic– inorganic hybrid composites; sol– gel processes
Description
The manipulation of cell surfaces in anchorage-dependent cells can help overcome difficulties presented during cell handling and application. Silica-based protective mechanisms existing in free-floating microorganisms may be used as inspiration for sustaining human cell survival in suspension. Gathering on this, herein human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hASCs) are partially coated with a hard silica layer that operates as a supporting platform for individual cells in suspension. Inspired by the organic templates involved in biosilicification, a novel chitosan (CHT) derivative displaying fully natural quaternary amine moieties is synthetized via a rapid, one-pot strategy. Silicification is promoted on individual hASCs surfaces via a two-step process: a priming step onto previously adhered cell with this CHT derivative, followed by a biocompatible solgel process. hASCs holding a silica backpack exhibit enhanced cell survival in suspension conditions and can spread and acquire a more adherent phenotype. This new protocol for cell-surface modification also provides a new generation of hybrid materials with functionalization of the silica backpack, which can be applied to different areas such as tissue engineering, biosensing, drug delivery, and targeted cell-based therapies.
