POS8-0294
Engineering Cell Sheets from Anchorage-Dependent Cells for Burn Therapy
Topic
S8. Frontiers of Functional Polymers in Biology and Medicine
When and Where
Sep 30, 2026
08:30 - 09:30
Room 301 (Grand Ballroom)
Session Chairs
Heesuk KIM
Jinhye BAE
Presenter(s)
Jumi Kang (Kyungpook National University)
Co-Author(s)
Abstract
Cell sheet engineering is a promising approach for scaffold-free tissue regeneration. However, it conventionally relies on specialized stimuli-responsive surfaces, and anchorage-dependent cells typically undergo anoikis when deprived of extracellular matrix adhesion. Here, we report a novel method where L929 fibroblasts overcome anoikis and spontaneously assemble into viable cell sheets under suspension-like conditions, facilitated by catechol-functionalized polysaccharide cryogels. The inherent anti-fouling properties of these cryogels physically restrict cell attachment. This unique microenvironment effectively trains the suspended cells, inducing genetic remodeling that sustains high viability and triggers phenotypic alterations without initial focal adhesions. The resulting L929 cell sheets exhibited significant upregulation of key genes governing extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling and angiogenesis. A burn injury in mice, transplantation of these cell sheets accelerated wound closure, promoted organized collagen deposition, and stimulated the regeneration of skin appendages, including hair follicles. This study offers an outstanding platform for tissue engineering and burn healing by transitioning anchorage-dependent cells into functional sheets.
