Gelatin microsphere-mediated vascularization in photo-crosslinking gelatin hydrogel

The main aim of this project is to consider if the difference in ratio of microsphere to gelatin gel affects the cell proliferation rate and blood vessels invasion when tested in-vivo. For this experiment, endothelial progenitor cells were used. A photocrosslinkable gelatin is used as a scaffold for cells to be encapsulated in the gel. The ratio of 2:1 (microsphere to gelatin) and 1:1(microsphere to gelatin) was tested to see if higher amount of microsphere will lead to a higher proliferation. As 2:1 provides more pores that are closer to each other, it is an advantage over the 1:1 construct as it gives the cells better nutrients and more space to grow. Gelatin spongy is used as a control as it does not have pores but a sheet-like scaffold. This is used to show the advantages result of a porous structure compared to a sheet-like structure. Several methods such as cryosectioning, H&E staining and immunofluorescent staining were used to study the 2:1, 1:1 and gelatin spongy structures, cell proliferation and blood vessel invasion. The results show that cells growth is healthier and faster for the 2:1 structure. This is because the 2:1 structure can better support cell proliferation. It also has more pores compared to the 1:1 structure, thus, it has better nutrition diffusion and more space available for cell growth.Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering