@article {17700, title = {Functionalized Microparticles Producing Scaffolds in Combination with Cells}, journal = {Advanced Functional Materials}, volume = {24}, year = {2013}, month = {2013-11-04 00:00:00}, pages = {1391-1400}, publisher = {WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH \& Co.}, abstract = {

The development of biologically instructive biomaterials with application for tissue

regeneration has become the focus of intense research over the last years. This work

reports a novel approach for the production of three-dimensional constructs for tissue

engineering applications based on the assembly of chitosan microparticles exhibiting

specific biological response with cells. Chitosan microparticles with a size range between

20 and 70 μm are functionalized with platelet derived growth factor (PDFG-BB). The

functionalization is achieved by previous immobilization of an anti-PDGF-BB antibody,

using a water-soluble carbodiimide. When incubated with a cocktail of growth

factors-platelet lysates, the previously functionalized particles are able to target PDGF-BB

from the protein mixture. In vitro studies are carried out focusing on the ability of these

systems to promote the assembly into a stable 3D construct triggered by the presence of

human adipose stem cells, which act as crosslinker agents and induce the formation of a

hydrogel network. The presence of immobilized growth factors gives to this system a

biological functionality towards control on cell function. It is also bioresponsive, as cells

drive the assembly process of the microgel. These versatile biomimetic microgels may

provide a powerful tool to be used as an injectable system for non-invasive tissue

engineering applications with additional control over cellular function by creating specific

microenvironments for cell growth.

}, keywords = {cell microenvironments, Chitosan, microparticles}, doi = {10.1002/adfm.201301516}, url = {http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/adfm.201301516/abstract}, author = {Cust{\'o}dio, C. A. and Santo, V. E. and Oliveira, M. B. and Gomes, M. E. and Reis, R. L. and Mano, J. F.} }