SUPROTECT · Supramolecular microcapsules for bioreactor expansion of induced pluripotent stem cells

The SUPROTECT proof-of-concept project seeks to apply our squaramide-based (SQ) supramolecular materials to prepare microcapsules for the culture of pluripotent stem cells. Building on earlier demonstration of bioactive hydrogel synthesis and in vitro culture of iPSCs in 3D cell culture under static conditions, we will synthesize the necessary amount of material for iPSC culture studies, develop protocols to prepare microcapsules with and without iPSCs, and evaluate the feasibility of the different microcapsules for the culture of iPSCs and their release, ranking the approaches on iPSC number and quality for further downstream application. In parallel with these activities, we will perform detailed market research studies on microfabricated polymer materials for culture of various cell types, protecting our intellectual property (IP) position and consolidating our findings in a package for product licensing with the appropriate party.