Stem cell-based therapies are promising in regenerative medicine. However, the success of cell therapy is greatly limited by the low engraftment rate to the target tissues. The present study demonstrated that human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) were subjected to a self selection process via microencapsulation in collagen barrier when they were induced to migrate out from this barrier. While retaining the immuophenotype and self renewal capacity, the selected hMSCs showed a significantly better in vitro migratory response of than those cultured in traditional monolayer. The migratory response could be controlled by varying the fabrication parameters of the collagen barrier, including initial collagen concentration and cells seeding density. Affinity to adhere on endothelial cells layer is another engraftment related property. Significant difference was observed between these selected hMSCs and hMSCs in monolayer culture. In order to investigate the engraftment potential of the selected hMSCs, an animal model was performed. The selected hMSCs were transplanted intravenously into NOD/SCID mice under partial hepatectomy. Presence of human cells in the residual liver was determined by the presence of human HLA-ABC using flow cytometry after 48 hours, 1 week and 1 month. Engraftment of the selected hMSCs was significantly higher than that of monolayer cultured hMSCs in time point of 1 month. It demonstrated that the selected hMSCs favor the engraftment to the injured liver. Further investigation is required to determine the fate of the engrafted hMSCs in order to truly confirm their therapeutic potential. The current work demonstrated that collagen-hMSCs microsphere could act as a barrier to select hMSCs with enhanced in vitro migratory response and in vivo engraftment properties. These findings may contribute towards the development of better stem cell therapies. / published_or_final_version / Mechanical Engineering / Master / Master of Philosophy

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