Heat conduction simulation of chondrocyte-embedded agarose gels suggests negligible impact of viscoelastic dissipation on temperature change.

ABSTRACT: Agarose is commonly used for 3D cell culture and to mimic the stiffness of the pericellular matrix of articular chondrocytes. Although it is known that both temperature and mechanical stimulation affect the metabolism of chondrocytes, little is known about the thermal properties of agarose hydrogels. Thermal properties of agarose are needed to analyze potential heat production by chondrocytes induced by various experimental stimuli (carbon source, cyclical compression, etc). Utilizing ASTM C177, a custom-built thermal conductivity measuring device was constructed and used to calculate the thermal conductivity of 4.5 % low gelling temperature agarose hydrogels. Additionally, Differential Scanning Calorimetry was used to calculate the specific heat capacity of the agarose hydrogels. Testing

SUBMITTER: Myers E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11560588 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature