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Developing 3D Organized Human Cardiac Tissue within a Microfluidic Platform
Published on: June 15, 2021
Controlling cell position in complex heterotypic 3D microtissues by tissue fusion.
Adam P Rago1, Dylan M Dean, Jeffrey R Morgan
1Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Physiology and Biotechnology, Center for Biomedical Engineering, Brown University, G-B393, Biomedical Center, 171 Meeting Street, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, USA.
Biotechnology and Bioengineering
|November 18, 2008
Summary
Researchers developed a fusion assay to study microtissue fusion and cell sorting. Spheroid pre-culture time controls fusion rate, coherence, and cell positioning in engineered tissues.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Tissue Engineering
- Biomaterials Science
Background:
- Tissue fusion and cell sorting are critical in development and tissue engineering.
- Microtissues offer a platform to study these fundamental biological processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design and utilize a fusion assay for investigating microtissue fusion and cell sorting.
- To identify factors influencing microtissue fusion kinetics, coherence, and cell organization.
Main Methods:
- Self-assembled normal human fibroblast (NHF) spheroids were cultured for varying durations (1-7 days).
- Spheroids were combined in recesses to form rod-shaped microtissues over 24 hours.
- Fusion extent was quantified by rod contraction; coherence by fusion angle.
Main Results:
- Spheroid pre-culture time significantly controlled fusion rate, coherence, and final rod length.
- Fusion kinetics and steady length were independent of spheroid size (100 vs. 300 micrometers).
- Pre-culture time also regulated cell sorting and positioning in heterotypic microtissues (NHFs and H35s).
Conclusions:
- Spheroid pre-culture time is a key parameter for controlling microtissue fusion and cell arrangement.
- This assay enables precise engineering of microtissue structures for developmental biology and tissue engineering applications.
