Roe-inspired stem cell microcapsules for inflammatory bowel disease treatment

Significance We present roe-inspired microcapsules for therapeutic mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) encapsulation with immune-isolating, wet-adhesive, and nutrient-rich capabilities. Due to the core-shell structure, the encapsulated MSCs could escape from the immune system and maintain immunomodulating functions. Furthermore, the roe proteins encapsulated with MSCs in the core phase provided adequate nutritional supply. By adding epsilon-poly-L-lysine-graft-methacrylamide and dopamine methacrylamide in the shell phase, the microcapsules might securely attach to the surface of the bowels. The encapsulated MSCs could relieve inflammatory bowel disease through modulating macrophage polarization. Based on these features, the roe-inspired microcapsules have great research value in clinical application.