Hydrogelated Cells for Regenerative Medicine Applications

Abstract

Researchers at the University of California, Davis have developed a technology that introduces an approach to creating semi-living, non-replicating cellular systems for advanced therapeutic applications.

Full Description

Utilizing a novel method of intracellular hydrogelation, this technology stabilizes mammalian cells, transforming them into semi-living entities. These engineered cells maintain their native secretion capabilities, protein synthesis, and therapeutic functionalities while gaining resistance to a variety of stressors. By embedding a synthetic polymer network within the cells, this platform effectively creates transient cell devices that can operate in challenging environments without replication, paving the way for innovative treatments in regenerative medicine, drug delivery, and beyond.

Applications

• Tissue regeneration and wound healing. 
• Revascularization and neuroprotection. 
• Drug delivery systems utilizing the cell's secretion capabilities for therapeutic molecule delivery. 
• Development of semi-living materials with therapeutic properties for regenerative medicine. 
• Angiogenesis promotion in critical care and chronic disease treatments.

Features/Benefits

• Enhances stability and resistance to external stressors, including lethal concentrations of hydrogen peroxide and osmotic shock. 
• Preserves essential cellular functions such as secretion, protein synthesis, and metabolic activity. 
• Capable of producing therapeutic factors promoting angiogenesis and tissue regeneration. 
• Flexibility to be applied to a wide range of mammalian cell types, including stem cells, cancer cells, and immune cells. 
• Non-replicating nature of the cells minimizes risks associated with cell proliferation in vivo. 
• Overcomes limitations of current therapeutic approaches by combining the benefits of cell therapy, synthetic materials, and small molecules. 
• Addresses the challenge of cell clearance and degradation in therapeutic applications. 
• Solves the issue of maintaining therapeutic functionality under stress conditions that would compromise untreated cells.

Patent Status

Patent Pending