The effect of gelatin methatcryloyl (GelMA) on adipose-derived stem cells transplantation and wound healing

Abstract

Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs) are promising candidates for wound healing. To retain stem cells and ensure cells’ function at the wound site, we use 3D scaffolds that mimic the extracellular matrix (ECM) to load ADSCs. Gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) is a commonly used bioink to construct the 3D scaffold through extrusion-based 3D bioprinting. The study conducted various experiments to investigate the effectiveness of the ADSCs-GelMA hydrogel system with a different degree of methacrylate substitution. As a result, we found that GelMA hydrogel has a great ability to absorb water, maintain the viability and attachment of rats ADSCs (rADSCs), increase wound healing efficiency, etc. In addition, the hydrogel prepared by GelMA 50%-60% methacrylate substitution exhibited higher bioactivity than its 80%-90% counterparts. Therefore, the study not only proved the potential of GelMA hydrogel but also provided GelMA materials with a specific concentration of methacrylate substitution that further research could study and improve on.