In the MAINSTREAM, we are developing synthetic material polyacrylamide-based microcarriers for scalable stem cell (MSC) expansion and MSC phenotype control. The hydrogel is based on tuneable polyacrylamide networks, allowing independent control over stiffness and viscoelastic behaviours. These mechanical cues play a critical role in regulating MSC behaviours, influencing cell adhesion, morphology, proliferation and mechanotransduction.

The microcarriers are functionalised with extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, providing integrin-binding domains that support cell attachment and mechanosensitive signalling. The microcarriers are fabricated using precision microfluidics technologies, offering control over size and uniformity. By culturing the microcarriers in dynamic bioreactor environments, these microcarriers enable high-density MSC expansion while preserving MSC phenotype control. Importantly, the ability to tune stiffness and viscoelasticity at the single-carrier level allows investigation of mechanotransduction pathways governing MSC proliferation, immunomodulatory capacity and lineage specification.