Characterization of partially lifted cell sheets.

ABSTRACT: There is a need to characterize biomechanical cell-cell interactions, but due to a lack of suitable experimental methods, relevant in vitro experimental data are often masked by cell-substrate interactions. This study describes a novel method to generate partially lifted substrate-free cell sheets that engage primarily in cell-cell interactions, yet are amenable to biological and chemical perturbations and, importantly, mechanical conditioning and characterization. A polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) mold is used to isolate a patch of cells, and the patch is then enzymatically lifted. The cells outside the mold remain attached, creating a partially lifted cell sheet. This simple yet powerful tool enables the simultaneous examination of lifted and adherent cells. This tool was then deployed to te

SUBMITTER: Wei Q 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4029044 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature