SadaoOtaLab (RCAST, UTokyo)

Networked biophotonics and microfluidics group

[SadaoOtaLab (RCAST, UTokyo) @soLab_tokyo]

Huge thanks to all co-authors and collaborators!
For more information, please reach out to us at https://t.co/kblLlHLDmj
#CellCulture #Bioengineering #Biomaterials #Hydrogels #Microcapsules #Organoids #ACSBSE

[SadaoOtaLab (RCAST, UTokyo) @soLab_tokyo]

Excited to share our latest work https://t.co/232kx1Ukde
We developed Emulsion-Templated Gel Embedding (ETE), a microfluidics-free method for generating uniform cell-containing hydrogel microcapsules using simple vortex-based emulsification and standard laboratory equipment.

[SadaoOtaLab (RCAST, UTokyo) @soLab_tokyo]

The agarose shells can be enzymatically dissolved using agarase, enabling gentle retrieval of encapsulated cells with >95% viability. We believe ETE provides an accessible and scalable platform for cell culture, drug screening, and other high-throughput biological applications.

[SadaoOtaLab (RCAST, UTokyo) @soLab_tokyo]

Using this approach, we generated more than 100,000 cell-containing capsules per run without microfluidics. The resulting capsules supported the growth of both suspension and adherent cells, with proliferation comparable to that of conventional microfluidic encapsulation methods.

[SadaoOtaLab (RCAST, UTokyo) @soLab_tokyo]

Cells and gelatin beads are co-encapsulated by vortex-based emulsification, followed by gelatin dissolution and re-gelation to form cell-laden beads. These beads are then embedded within agarose shells to create hollow-core microcapsules.

[SadaoOtaLab (RCAST, UTokyo) @soLab_tokyo]

Our answer: use gelatin beads as temporary templates.
We developed emulsion-templated gel embedding (ETE), a simple cell-encapsulation workflow that uses prefabricated gelatin beads to guide cells into uniform solid- or hollow-core hydrogel microcapsules.

[SadaoOtaLab (RCAST, UTokyo) @soLab_tokyo]

Several alternatives to microfluidics have been explored, but suffer from poor size uniformity, low reproducibility, harsh encapsulation conditions, or limited scale. As a result, generating large numbers of uniform cell-containing microcapsules remains inaccessible to many labs.

[SadaoOtaLab (RCAST, UTokyo) @soLab_tokyo]

Why does this matter?
Hydrogel microcapsules are powerful tools for 3D cell culture, clonal expansion, and high-throughput screening. However, most methods rely on microfluidic devices that require specialised equipment, technical expertise, and complex workflows.

[SadaoOtaLab (RCAST, UTokyo) @soLab_tokyo]

Lastly, in his own words: “I enjoyed being in a rare environment where experts from different fields were brought together, allowing us to truly experience and drive interdisciplinary research forward.” -@kzk_hattori

[SadaoOtaLab (RCAST, UTokyo) @soLab_tokyo]

Some farewells are truly special, and we are proud to announce that Dr Kazuki Hattori @kzk_hattori will join @kumamotoUniv_PR as a full professor from this spring.

[SadaoOtaLab (RCAST, UTokyo) @soLab_tokyo]

As he begins his next chapter at Kumamoto University, we are sincerely grateful and wish him great success in building his new lab. We look forward to continuing this relationship through collaboration and scientific exchange.

[SadaoOtaLab (RCAST, UTokyo) @soLab_tokyo]

The platform offers strong potential for advancing future applications in advancing diagnostics and therapeutic development. The lab wishes Dr Bin Xu great success ahead in his future endeavours.
Keep following this space for more upcoming information.

[SadaoOtaLab (RCAST, UTokyo) @soLab_tokyo]

We are excited to announce our 5th PhD graduate, Dr Bin Xu. From first experiments to confident independence, it’s been a remarkable journey to witness. Congratulations Bin!!

[SadaoOtaLab (RCAST, UTokyo) @soLab_tokyo]

His research focused on developing a hydrogel platform for the size-selective fractionation of nanoparticles. This innovative system enables the precise and efficient isolation of specific biomaterials, providing a versatile tool for high-resolution molecular separation.

[SadaoOtaLab (RCAST, UTokyo) @soLab_tokyo]

We believe this accessible platform could support high-throughput screening for obesity research and be extended to other spheroid/organoid models. It may also open new opportunities in bioprinting and tissue engineering.

[SadaoOtaLab (RCAST, UTokyo) @soLab_tokyo]

Excited to share our latest work in ACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering!
We developed a simple microfluidics + templated emulsification strategy to generate large numbers of uniform, small adipocyte spheroids in hollow agarose microcapsules.
https://t.co/xBlAcmc6PO

[SadaoOtaLab (RCAST, UTokyo) @soLab_tokyo]

These spheroids were further differentiated into adipocyte spheroids over 8 days. Compared with conventional microwell culture, the microcapsule platform produced smaller, more uniform spheroids and significantly greater lipid accumulation.