SEOUL, April 29 (AJP) - South Korean researchers have developed a three-dimensional culture platform that improves the survival rate and therapeutic efficacy of stem cells, the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) said Wednesday.
Jon Sang-yong, a professor at KAIST's Department of Biological Sciences, led a research team to create a synthetic polymer material named "poly-Z." This material coats culture plates to encourage human adipose-derived stem cells to self-assemble into spherical structures called spheroids. Standard two-dimensional culture methods often cause these cells to age and lose functionality over time.
The poly-Z platform alters the physical and chemical properties of the culture surface, promoting the adsorption of albumin proteins and preventing cells from attaching to the bottom. Stem cells grown in this environment produced more extracellular matrix, which mimics conditions found inside the human body.
In animal trials involving mice with acute colitis and liver injury, the spheroids demonstrated higher survival rates and better inflammation control than cells grown using conventional methods. The new environment activates integrin and FAK signaling pathways, enabling the cells to better sense and respond to their surroundings.
Seo Chang-jin, a researcher at KAIST's InnoCORE AI-Innovative Drug Discovery Research Center, served as the lead author for the research published in the journal Advanced Science on March 31, 2026. "This research demonstrates that a precise 3D culture environment based on synthetic polymers can simultaneously improve the functionality and therapeutic efficacy of stem cells," Jon said. "We expect this technology to be widely utilized in developing next-generation stem cell treatments for various intractable inflammatory diseases."
(Reference Information)
Journal/Source: Advanced Science
Title: Polymer Matrix-Based 3D Culture Significantly Enhances the Differentiation and Immunomodulatory Functions of Human Adipose-Derived Stem Cells
Link/DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/advs.202518704
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