Extrusion printing of hydrogels for cell therapies

Hydrogels have been widely researched as biomaterials for cell and drug delivery. Allarta has developed polymer-based capsules, based on pioneering research at McMaster University, with a range of diffusion profiles. Allarta has shown the ability of these hydrogels to support different mammalian cell types including stem cells and islets. Furthermore, such cell-containing hydrogels have been shown to remain viable and functional in vitro, with effective release of mediators, and in vivo, with the ability to correct blood glucose in diabetic rodents for significant period of time.
The current project involves adapting these materials to extrusion printing into a range of 3D objects. This will involve identifying and setting up a suitable extrusion printing device, and adapting the hydrogels to the specific requirements posed by 3D extrusion processes.
Key aims are to 1. Design hydrogel compositions that achieve certain mechanical properties, including tensile strength and deformation resistance. 2. Test hydrogel permeability and resistance to degradation under physiological conditions. 3. Assess the cell viability and function within these hydrogels as function of cell type and environmental factors.
The hydrogels will include commercially available materials and Allarta’s own compositions. Cells will include model cells such as rat donor islets and stem cells.

Faculty Supervisor:

Xiaowu Shirley Tang

Student:

Partner:

Stem Cell Network;Allarta Life Science Inc

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

University of Waterloo

Program: