Design and evaluation of a highly porous thermosensitive hydrogel with low gelation temperature as a 3D culture system for Penaeus chinensis lymphoid cells

The characterizations and biocompatibility of a highly porous chtosan-α,β-glycerophosphate (CS-α,β-GP) thermosensitive hydrogel with low gelation temperature and its feasibility as a 3D culture system for Penaeus chinensis lymphoid cells were investigated. A CS-α,β-GP hydrogel that possesses a physiological pH and can form monolithic gels at 25 °C was designed. The properties of the CS-α,β-GP hydrogel were characterized regarding rheological properties, gelation temperature, gelation time, pH, morphology, swelling properties and degradability. This hydrogel showed low BSA adsorption at physiological conditions. The cytotoxicity of the α,β-GP to mouse embryo fibroblasts (MEFs) could be eliminated by washing the CS-α,β-GP hydrogel 3 times with cell culture medium. The P. chinensis lymphoid cells cultured on the surface or encapsulated inside of the hydrogel could grow and reproduce. After 20 d culture on the surface or encapsulated inside of the hydrogel, the lymphoid cells were still had good activity and could be subcultured.

► We prepared a hydrogel with physiological pH and low gelation temperature (25 °C). ► We characterized the properties of the hydrogel. ► The hydrogel had low BSA adsorption and low cytotoxicity. ► Penaeus chinensis lymphoid cells cultured inside of the hydrogel had good activity.