From Micro to Macro: The Hierarchical Design in a Micropatterned Scaffold for Cell Assembling and Transplantation

Abstract

A microwell-patterned membranous scaffold that integrates nano- and microscale topographical characteristics based on polyurethane is fabricated for transplanting syngeneic islets and allogeneic mesenchymal stem cells into diabetic rodents. The scaffold effectively allows for assembling of single cells/microtissues, enables the transplantation of cells with spatial control, and improves the transplant's engraftment efficacy in vivo for treating diabetes.

Keywords: diabetes; islets; mesenchymal stem cells; microwells; nanofibers.