Honors Theses and Capstones
Date of Award
Spring 2025
Project Type
Senior Honors Thesis
College or School
COLSA
Department
Molecular, Cellular, and Biomedical Sciences
Program or Major
Biochemistry: Molecular and Cellular Biology
Degree Name
Bachelor of Science
First Advisor
Kyung Jae Jeong
Abstract
Injectable hydrogels are a promising platform for tissue engineering due to their ability to conform to target sites and support cell viability during cell delivery. Gelatin microgel-based injectable microporous hydrogels are particularly attractive for neural tissue engineering, as they allow the encapsulated neural stem cells (NSCs) to differentiate into elongated neurons in the pore space and promoting cell-cell interactions. This study explores the addition of methacrylated hyaluronic acid (HAMA) to gelatin microgels to improve biocompatibility and support neural tissue generation in vitro, since hyaluronic acid (HA) is a key component of the native neural extracellular matrix (ECM). HAMA was synthesized via esterification of hyaluronic acid with methacrylic anhydride, introducing cross linkable methacrylate groups. Gelatin-HAMA microgels were fabricated using a previously described method, lyophilized, and rehydrated for the encapsulation of a neural stem cell line (ReNcells). While the hydrogels formed successfully, ReNcell viability was reduced compared to gelatin-only microgels. These findings suggest that while HAMA incorporation is feasible and structurally supportive, further optimization is needed to improve the microenvironment for NSC viability and function.
Recommended Citation
Cuvellier, Hannah and Jeong, Kyung Jae, "Gelatin-Methacrylated Hyaluronic Acid Microgels for Neural Tissue Generation In Vitro" (2025). Honors Theses and Capstones. 900.
https://scholars.unh.edu/honors/900
Included in
Biochemical and Biomolecular Engineering Commons, Bioelectrical and Neuroengineering Commons, Molecular, Cellular, and Tissue Engineering Commons