Complex Organotypic Cell Model Group
Microencapsulated cells may ultimately enable even permanent protein drug therapy with a single administration. Retinal pigment epithelial cell lines (ARPE-19) were cloned to secrete marker protein as well as soluble VEGF-receptor that acts by sequestering free VEGF from tissues. The net effect is to block VEGF activity. We microencapsulated these cells and demonstrated prolonged protein secretion from them (3, 4). This cell therapy research resulted in development and production of a laboratory scale cell microencapsulation device (4) as well as a demonstration of proof-of-principle that cell viability could be preserved in microcapsules during freeze-drying (5). Such methods could facilitate the future logistics for use of polymer-embedded cell therapy products.
Selected Publications:
1. Nanofibrillar cellulose hydrogel promotes three-dimensional liver cell culture. M Bhattacharya, M Malinen, P Lauren, YR Lou, C Parras-Cicuendez , S Kuisma, L Kanninen, M Lille, A Corlu, C Guillozo, A Laukkanen, A Urtti, M Yliperttula. J Control Release, in press.
2. Peptide nanofiber hydrogel induces formation of bile canalicular structures in 3D cultures of hepatic cell line. M. Malinen, H. Palokangas, M. Yliperttula, A. Urtti. Tissue Engineering Part A, in press.
Arto Urtti, Ph.D, Professor
Professor Urtti has led the Centre for Drug Research (CDR) at the University of Helsinki since 2005. Professor Urtti’s has authored more than 220 peer-reviewed articles and 20 patents and patent applications.