Abstract: Objective: To prepare microencapsulated cells releasing human tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2 (TIMP-2), and investigate their biological characteristics in vitro. Methods: Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells were stably transfected with a human TIMP-2 expression vector, encapsulated in barium alginate microcapsules and cultured in vitro. Morphological appearance of the microcapsules was observed under a light microscope. Cell viability was assessed using MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and reverse zymography were used to confirm the release of biologically active TIMP-2 from the microcapsules. Cryopreservation study of the microencapsulated cells was carried out using dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) as preservative agent. Results: The microcapsules appeared like a sphere with diameter of 300~600 μm. The surface of the capsule wall was clearly smooth. The microencapsulated cells survived well and kept proliferating over the 6 weeks observed. No significant difference in TIMP-2 secretion was found between encapsulated and unencapsulated cells. Reverse zymography confirmed the bioactivity of MMP (matrix metalloproteinase) inhibition of TIMP-2. The cryopreservation process did not damage the microcapsule morphology nor the viability of the cells inside. Conclusion: Microencapsulated engineered CHO cells survive at least 6 weeks after preparation in vitro, and secrete bioactive TIMP-2 freely from the microcapsules.

Key words: Microencapsulation, Recombinant cells, Human tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2, Cell culture

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