G. Knedlitschek et al., A tissue-like culture system using microstructures: Influence of extracellular matrix material on cell adhesion and aggregation, J BIOMECH E, 121(1), 1999, pp. 35-39
Citations number
20
Categorie Soggetti
Multidisciplinary
Journal title
JOURNAL OF BIOMECHANICAL ENGINEERING-TRANSACTIONS OF THE ASME
Special microenvironmental conditions are required to induce and/or maintai
n specific qualities of differentiated cells. Art important parameter is th
e three-dimensional tissue architecture that cannot be reproduced in conven
tional monolayer systems. Advanced tissue culture systems will meet many of
these demands, but may reach their limits, especially when gradients of sp
ecific substances over distinct tissue layers must be established for long-
term culture. These limitations may be overcome by incorporating microstruc
tures into tissue-like culture systems. The microstructured cell support pr
esented consists of a flat array of 625 cubic microcontainers with porous b
ottoms, in which cells can be supplied with specific media from both sides
of the tissue layer. Permanent cell lines and primary rat hepatocytes have
been used to test the culture system. In order to define reproducible condi
tions for tissue formation and for cell adherence to the structure, several
ECM (extracellular matrix) components were tested for coating of microstru
ctured substrata. The described tissue culture system offers great flexibil
ity in adapting the cell support to specific needs.