Oxygen-Generating Microbeads for Supporting Cell Viability and Function

Reduces Hypoxia-Induced Cell Death by Locally Delivering Tailored Amounts of Oxygen to Cell-Based Implants and Engineered Tissues

These biocompatible spherical microbeads enable extended and local oxygen administration to cell-based implants and engineered tissues. Hypoxia is a serious issue arising within cell-based implants and engineered tissues, as they lack a vascular network and do not permit intra-device vascularization, such as microencapsulation or immunoisolatory platforms. Addressing hypoxia-induced cell death and dysfunction can significantly improve the efficacy of the implants, particularly for cells with high sensitivity to hypoxia, such as pancreatic beta cells. Current in situ oxygen generation technologies depict a promising strategy for this goal. However, the designs have limitations such as strict geometrical constraints, lack of injectability, and insufficiently controlled and durable release profiles.

Researchers at the University of Florida have developed spherical microbeads that serve as a customizable oxygen-generating, biocompatible material. By easily integrating into any cell-based implant, it minimizes hypoxia-induced cell death through local and controlled oxygen delivery for a desired timeframe. This provides greater control and improved oxygen release dynamics.

Application

Biocompatible microbeads for local and controlled supply of oxygen or other therapeutic agents to cell-based implants and engineered tissues

Advantages

• Locally delivers oxygen to cell-based implants in a controlled fashion, minimizing hypoxia-induced cell death
• The microbeads can simultaneously co-deliver other therapeutic agents, accelerating tissue regeneration and maximizing the success of graft integration
• Serves as an oxygen-releasing agent in vitro in tissue cultures and in vivo as part of surgical procedures, wound healing devices, or cellular transplants, expanding the number of potential applications
• The therapeutic agent delivery can be customizable for release time frames or co-delivery of multiple compounds, enabling customization for specific requirements
• Administration strategies include injection or integration into 3D scaffolds, enabling tailoring based on individual needs

Technology

These customizable, oxygen-generating spherical microbeads locally deliver tailored and extended release of oxygen in cell-based implants. The microbeads are malleable for an injectable administration route or integration within cellular implants. The formulation using a unique emulsification strategy enables size modulation from 100 to 1000 µm in diameter. The base composition comprises a biocompatible, hydrophobic material containing one or more agents, such as oxygen-generating peroxide particles or soluble therapeutic drugs. Further modifications, such as including porogens and additional outer layers, enable tailoring of the release profile, including different time frames, concentrations, and co-delivery of various agents. The modular nature of the microbeads enables their application as a microbead platform or their integration into a 3D scaffold, enhancing their versatility and utility.