Partitioning microfluidic channels with hydrogel to construct tunable 3-D cellular microenvironments.

ABSTRACT: Accurate modeling of the cellular microenvironment is important for improving studies of cell biology in vitro. Here, we demonstrate a flexible method for creating a cellular microenvironment in vitro that allows (i) controlled spatial distribution (patterning) of multiple types of cells within three-dimensional (3-D) matrices of a biologically derived, thermally curable hydrogel (Matrigel) and (ii) application of gradients of soluble factors, such as cytokines, across the hydrogel. The technique uses laminar flow to divide a microchannel into multiple subchannels separated by microslabs of hydrogel. It does not require the use of UV light or photoinitiators and is compatible with cell culture in the hydrogel. This technique makes it possible to design model systems to study cellular commu

SUBMITTER: Wong AP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2288785 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature