Self-assembly of cell springs using smooth muscle-like cells differentiated from multipotent cells

This paper describes the self-assembly of “cell springs” using smooth muscle-like cells differentiated from multipotent dedifferentiated fat (DFAT) cells. Using a microfluidic co-axial device, DFAT cells suspended in extracellular matrix (ECM) mixture of fibrin and collagen were encapsulated within tubular alginate microfibers and formed into 3D fiber-shaped micro-constructs. Such DFAT cell fibers were then induced to differentiate into smooth muscle cells (SMCs) under various conditions. Upon differentiation induction, DFAT cell fibers spontaneously contracted into coiled spring structures within 3 days. After 3 weeks of differentiation, the differentiated DFAT cell fibers showed synchronized contraction upon electrical stimulation.