Polymer design of microwell hydrogels influences epithelial-mesenchymal interactions during human bronchosphere formation.

ABSTRACT: Bronchospheres have emerged as a promising in vitro model towards probing questions on organ development and disease. Several organoid models, including from airway (e.g., bronchial, tracheal) cells, require 3D Matrigel, a complex mouse tumor-derived matrix that typically leads to heterogenous size and structures. Synthetic and naturally-derived polymeric hydrogels show increased opportunities as an alternative to Matrigel culture. In addition, recent advances in hydrogel-based microcavities (i.e., microwells) have shown improved control over organoid size, structure, and composition. Here, we build upon this approach and describe the fabrication and characterization of microwell hydrogels based on other polymers, including diacrylated poly(ethylene glycol), agarose, methacrylated gelatin,

SUBMITTER: Eiken MK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12306430 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature