Cell encapsulation using microgel and nanogel, as a strategy of cell surface engineering, can mimic the niches of cells and organoids. The established niche that seasons cells and tissues for the controllable development underlies the superiority of encapsulation on cells. Encapsulation by layer-by-layer nanogel coating is a bottom-up simulation of extracellular matrices via nano- or micropackaging of cells in a multiscale way. We report the nanogel encapsulation on individual neuronal cell for a basic study and application of permeability tuning to regulate cells' apoptosis. Gelatin and hyaluronic acid (HA) are applied for encapsulating PC12 cells. The permeability of encapsulation on cells can be managed by adjusting different parameters such as material concentration, layer thickness and environmental pH. Eventually, permeability of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) is controlled by tuning encapsulating parameters for blocking the interaction with TNF-receptor 1, so that cell apoptosis is inhibited. In short, nanogel encapsulation exhibits controllable permeability to different molecules and exerts screen effect on TNF-α for protection. This technique holds great potential in basic biological research and translational research, for example, the protection of transplanted cells against apoptotic factors in target areas.
Keywords: apoptosis; cell surface engineering; layer-by-layer; nanogel encapsulation; permeability.