Interlinked Macroporous 3D Scaffolds from Microgel Rods

Journal of Visualized Experiments

Abstract

A two-component system of functionalized microgels from microfluidics allows for fast interlinking into 3D macroporous constructs in aqueous solutions without further additives. Continuous photoinitiated on-chip gelation enables variation of the microgel aspect ratio, which determines the building block properties for the obtained constructs. Glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) or 2-aminoethyl methacrylate (AMA) monomers are copolymerized into the microgel network based on polyethylene glycol (PEG) star-polymers to achieve either epoxy or amine functionality. A focusing oil flow is introduced into the microfluidic outlet structure to ensure continuous collection of the functionalized microgel rods. Based on a recent publication, microgel rod-based constructs result in larger pores of several hundred micrometers and, at the same time, lead to overall higher scaffold stability in comparison to a spherical-based model. In this way, it is possible to produce higher-volume constructs with more free volume while reducing the amount of material required. The interlinked macroporous scaffolds can be picked up and transported without damage or disintegration. Amine and epoxy groups not involved in interlinking remain active and can be used independently for post-modification. This protocol describes an optimized method for the fabrication of microgel rods to form macroporous interlinked scaffolds that can be utilized for subsequent cell experiments.

Authors 4

1. Dirk Rommel Aachen DWI - Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials Institute for Technical and Macromolecular Chemistry

   RWTH Aachen University · DWI – Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials

   Affiliation as printed

   DWI - Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials

   Institute for Technical and Macromolecular Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University

2. Sitara Vedaraman Aachen DWI - Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials Institute for Technical and Macromolecular Chemistry

   RWTH Aachen University · DWI – Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials

   Affiliation as printed

   DWI - Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials

   Institute for Technical and Macromolecular Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University

3. Matthias Mork Aachen DWI - Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials Institute for Technical and Macromolecular Chemistry

   RWTH Aachen University · DWI – Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials

   Affiliation as printed

   DWI - Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials

   Institute for Technical and Macromolecular Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University

4. Laura De Laporte Aachen DWI - Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials Institute of Applied Medical Engineering Institute for Technical and Macromolecular Chemistry Department of Advanced Materials for Biomedicine

   RWTH Aachen University · DWI – Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials

   Affiliation as printed

   DWI - Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials

   Institute for Technical and Macromolecular Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University

   Institute of Applied Medical Engineering, Department of Advanced Materials for Biomedicine, RWTH Aachen University