Exploring thermal reversible hydrogels for stem cell expansion in three-dimensions

Zheyu Shen, Jingxiu Bi, Bingyang Shi, Dzuy Nguyen, Cory J. Xian,b Hu Zhang and Sheng Dai

http://pubs.rsc.org/en/Content/ArticleLanding/2012/SM/C2SM25407G?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+rss%2FSM+%28RSC+-+Soft+Matter+latest+articles%29

Hydrogels were synthesized from poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-acrylic acid) microgels, which formed hydrogels upon heating to 37 C thus encapsulating the murine embryonic mesenchymal progenitor cell
(C3H/10T1/2). The hydrogel reverted back to microgels and cell release upon cooling. This cooling allowed recovery of the cells, which were then able to adhere to a 2D surface. Experiments were done to further characterize, image, and test cell cytotoxicity on the gels.