Fabrication of Conductive Hollow Microfibers for Encapsulation of Astrocyte Cells

Abstract

The manufacturing of 3D cell scaffoldings provides advantages for modeling diseases and injuries by physiologically relevant platforms. A triple-flow microfluidic device was developed to rapidly fabricate alginate/graphene hollow microfibers based on the gelation of alginate induced with CaCl2. This five-channel pattern actualized continuous mild fabrication of hollow fibers under an optimized flowing rate ratio of 300: 200: 100 μL.min−1. The polymer solution was 2.5% alginate in 0.1% graphene, and a 30% polyethylene glycol solution was used as the sheath and core solutions. The morphology and physical properties of microstructures were investigated by scanning electron microscopy, electrochemical, and surface area analyzers. Subsequently, these conductive microfibers’ biocompatibility was studied by encapsulating mouse astrocyte cells within these scaffolds. The cells could successfully survive both the manufacturing process and prolonged encapsulation for up to 8 days. These unique 3D hollow scaffolds could significantly enhance the available surface area for nutrient transport to the cells. In addition, these conductive hollow scaffolds illustrated unique advantages such as 0.728 cm3.gr−1 porosity and twice more electrical conductivity in comparison to alginate scaffolds. The results confirm the potential of these scaffolds as a microenvironment that supports cell growth.