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Culturing Mammalian Cells in Three-dimensional Peptide Scaffolds
Published on: June 13, 2018
Modified polyelectrolyte complex fibrous scaffold as a matrix for 3D cell culture
Benjamin C U Tai1, Andrew C A Wan, Jackie Y Ying
1Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The Nanos, Singapore.
Biomaterials
|May 18, 2010
Summary
Interfacial polyelectrolyte complexation (IPC) scaffolds effectively present bioactive molecules for tissue engineering. Modified IPC scaffolds enhanced hepatocyte function, showing promise for cell signaling applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Tissue Engineering
- Cellular Biology
Background:
- Scaffold tissue engineering requires structural support and cellular signaling for cell growth.
- Fibrous scaffolds created via interfacial polyelectrolyte complexation (IPC) offer advantages for biosignal presentation due to their aqueous, room-temperature fabrication process compatible with biomolecules.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish and evaluate methods for chemical and biochemical modification of IPC scaffolds.
- To investigate the impact of immobilized bioactive components on primary hepatocyte differentiated function.
Main Methods:
- Two modification methods were employed: physical entrapment of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins (collagen, fibronectin, laminin) and covalent conjugation of the RGD peptide.
- Scaffold modifications were characterized using confocal fluorescence microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and BCA protein assay.
- Hepatocyte function was assessed by measuring albumin levels and urea production in the supernatant.
Main Results:
- ECM proteins were distributed throughout the IPC fibers.
- The ratio of covalently bound to physisorbed RGD was approximately 2:3.
- Albumin levels in hepatocyte cultures were highest with RGD-modified scaffolds, followed by collagen Type I, fibronectin/laminin, unmodified scaffolds, and plates, indicating improved differentiated function.
Conclusions:
- IPC scaffolds provide a versatile platform for presenting cellular signals.
- Modification of IPC scaffolds with bioactive components, particularly RGD peptides, can significantly influence and maintain the differentiated function of primary hepatocytes.
- These findings highlight the potential of IPC scaffolds in advanced tissue engineering applications requiring precise control over cell-environment interactions.
