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Microfabrication of Chip-sized Scaffolds for Three-dimensional Cell cultivation
Published on: May 12, 2008
Technique for the control of spheroid diameter using microfabricated chips
1Department of Chemical Processes and Environments, The University of Kitakyushu, 1-1 Hibikino, Wakamatsu-ku, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka 808-0135, Japan.
Acta Biomaterialia
|August 11, 2007
Summary
Researchers developed a microfabricated chip to control liver cell spheroid diameter. This technique enables mass production of uniform spheroids with enhanced protein secretion for at least one month.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Materials Science
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Controlling spheroid size and uniformity is crucial for applications in drug screening and regenerative medicine.
- Existing methods for spheroid culture often lack precise control over diameter and long-term stability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a novel microfabrication technique for precise control over liver-derived cell spheroid diameter.
- To evaluate the long-term stability and functional performance of spheroids cultured on the developed microfluidic chips.
Main Methods:
- Microfabrication of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) plates with multicavity arrays.
- Chemical surface modification using polyethylene glycol (PEG) to create non-adhesive surfaces.
- Culture of HepG2 cells on microfabricated chips to form and maintain spheroids.
Main Results:
- Uniform liver cell spheroids with high circularity were successfully formed within microcavities.
- Spheroid diameter was effectively controlled by microcavity dimensions (diameter and pitch).
- Spheroids maintained consistent diameter for over one month and exhibited higher protein secretion than monolayers.
Conclusions:
- The microfabricated chip offers a robust method for controlling spheroid diameter and enabling mass preparation of uniform spheroids.
- This technology supports enhanced functionality and long-term stability of liver cell spheroids for potential therapeutic and research applications.
