[3PS-106]
3D Spheroid Encapsulation with a Novel Functional Methacryl Glycol Chitosan Thermogel for Biomedical Applications
발표자이영주 (충남대학교)
연구책임자허강무 (충남대학교)
Abstract
Methacrylated glycol chitosan (MGC) thermogels exhibit a reversible sol–gel transition in response to temperature changes and can be further stabilized through UV-induced photo-crosslinking, forming a dual-crosslinking system. This unique property enables the formation of mechanically robust hydrogels, making MGC thermogels suitable extracellular matrix (ECM)-mimicking scaffolds for chondrocyte culture. In this study, chondrocyte spheroid culture was conducted within MGC thermogels and compared with a single-cell culture control. Chondrocyte spheroids encapsulated in MGC thermogels demonstrated significantly higher cell viability and proliferation, along with enhanced extracellular matrix production, compared to single-cell cultures. These findings indicate that MGC thermogels provide a favorable microenvironment for chondrocyte spheroid culture and highlight their potential as a versatile platform for cartilage regeneration strategies.