Cell Delivery Using an Injectable and Adhesive Transglutaminase–Gelatin Gel

Abstract

In this study, we developed an injectable gelatin-transglutaminase (TGase) gel for cell delivery. The procedure provides a minimally invasive approach to deliver cells into tissue in a manner that improves localization. The results indicate gelatin-TGase to be noncytotoxic and to have adhesive properties that help localize and prevent the scattering of the cells after delivery. The in situ crosslinking between gelatin chains and endogenous collagen can create a strong attachment between the gel and tissue extracellular matrix, preventing cells from dissipation. The gelatin-TGase was also shown to maintain the carried cells to be viable and proliferative. Finally, through the adjustment of the enzymatic crosslinker concentration, the release rate of the cells into the surrounding tissue after injection was demonstrated to be controllable.