Effect of gel porosity and stiffness on culture of HepG2 cells encapsulated in gelatin methacrylate hydrogels

Abstract

Owing to in vivo applications, use of biodegradable three dimensional matrices to form implantable tissue constructs has increased in recent times. Gelatin methacrylate gel (GelMA) is one such versatile matrix compatible for cell culture and has potential of in vivo implantation. Physical and mechanical properties of these hydrogels are extremely crucial in modulating their rigidity, biodegradability and cellular compatibility. The present study involves testing stiffness and porosity of GelMA at high and low methacrylation degrees and at different concentrations of pre-polymer and itseffect on viability and proliferation of HepG2 cells cultured encapsulated in GelMA. Stiffness was found to be directly proportional whereas porosity was found to be inversely related to degree of methacrylation and concentration of GelMA pre-polymer. Softer gel with greater porosity was found to be favorable for proliferation of cells encapsulated in the gel. In order to achieve stable implantable construct, it is important to fi ne tune its physical properties such as stiffness and porosity since both these parameters are responsible for governing culture of cells encapsulated within the gel matrix and the present study will be helpful in modulating these properties of GelMA as per the intended application.