Tattoo sticker-like 3D flexible Cell sheet transfer platform based on Spontaneous Interfacial cell migration

Abstract

Cell sheet technology is a remarkable option to avoid the limitations of conventional tissue engineering techniques. Cell sheets are maintained intact cell-cell junction and extracellular matrix proteins by a protease-free cell harvesting and scaffold-free cell delivery system. Most cell sheet studies use a thermo-responsive cell harvesting system. However, here, we introduce another unique and flexible cell delivery platform. Our cell sheet transferring system uses a parylene flexible thin-film cell transfer carrier to culture and transfer cell sheet. With the support of the parylene film, cell sheets can be simply designed in any shape and size, and easily transferred to the target surface while maintaining the original cell sheet design and even single-cell spreading morphologies like tattoo stickers. Using our delivery platform, each cell could maintain its cytoskeletal structures after transfer to the target. Different from other cell sheet harvesting methods, a parylene film cell delivery system is based on spontaneous interfacial cell migration without any artificial triggers such as lowering the temperature, electrical stimuli, or PH change. In addition, the cell sheets could be easily stacked in heterotypic multilayered forms and applied to a wound site, confirming its potential application for in situ patient-specific wound patch transplantation. This easy-to-use cell delivery platform can contribute to the wider therapeutic application of cell sheet technology and our deeper understanding of cellular behaviors with interfacial migratory capability.