Title:Natural Polymers Based Hydrogels for Cell Culture Applications
Volume: 27
Issue: 16
Author(s): Gils Jose, K.T. Shalumon*Jyh-Ping Chen*
Affiliation:
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, Chang Gung University, Kwei-San, Taoyuan 33302,Taiwan
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, Chang Gung University, Kwei-San, Taoyuan 33302,Taiwan
Keywords:
Hydrogels, natural polymers, cell culture, extracellular matrix, three-dimensional culture, regeneration,
tissue engineering.
Abstract: It is well known that the extracellular matrix (ECM) plays a vital role in the growth, survival
and differentiation of cells. Though two-dimensional (2D) materials are generally used as substrates for
the standard in vitro experiments, their mechanical, structural, and compositional characteristics can
alter cell functions drastically. Many scientists reported that cells behave more natively when cultured
in three-dimensional (3D) environments than on 2D substrates, due to the more in vivo-like 3D cell
culture environment that can better mimic the biochemical and mechanical properties of the ECM. In
this regard, water-swollen network polymer-based materials called hydrogels are highly attractive for
developing 3D ECM analogs due to their biocompatibility and hydrophilicity. Since hydrogels can be
tuned and altered systematically, these materials can function actively in a defined culture medium to
support long-term self-renewal of various cells. The physico-chemical and biological properties of the
materials used for developing hydrogel should be tunable in accordance with culture needs. Various
types of hydrogels derived either from natural or synthetic origins are currently being used for cell culture
applications. In this review, we present an overview of various hydrogels based on natural polymers
that can be used for cell culture, irrespective of types of applications. We also explain how each
hydrogel is made, its source, pros and cons in biological applications with a special focus on regenerative
engineering.