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Patterning the Geometry of Human Embryonic Stem Cell Colonies on Compliant Substrates to Control Tissue-Level Mechanics
Published on: September 28, 2019
One-dimensional self-assembly of mouse embryonic stem cells using an array of hydrogel microstrands
Nurazhani Abdul Raof1, Michael R Padgen, Alison R Gracias
1College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering, University at Albany, State University of New York (SUNY), Albany, NY 12203, USA.
Biomaterials
|April 5, 2011
Summary
Embryonic stem (ES) cells cultured in microstrands show distinct self-assembly and differentiation patterns. Aqueous microstrands promote endoderm/mesoderm lineages, while gelled microstrands favor ectoderm/mesoderm differentiation.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Stem Cell Biology
- Tissue Engineering
Background:
- Embryonic stem (ES) cells possess self-renewal and differentiation capabilities crucial for disease modeling and regenerative medicine.
- Understanding ES cell self-assembly in microenvironments is key to controlling their maintenance and differentiation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the self-assembly behavior and differentiation potential of mouse ES cells within engineered one-dimensional microstrands.
- To explore how microstrand architecture influences ES cell fate decisions.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of one-dimensional alginate gel and aqueous microstrands using an SU-8 filter device and capillary action.
- Culture of mouse ES cells within microstrands of varying diameters.
- Analysis of cell density, aggregate structure, and lineage differentiation.
Main Results:
- Aqueous microstrands supported high-density cell culture and compact microtissue formation.
- Gelled microstrands resulted in smaller cell aggregate structures.
- ES cells in aqueous microstrands differentiated into endoderm and mesoderm lineages.
- ES cells in gelled microstrands differentiated into ectoderm and mesoderm lineages.
Conclusions:
- One-dimensional microstrands provide a tunable microenvironment for studying ES cell self-assembly and differentiation.
- Alginate hydrogel microstrands offer a novel method for manipulating stem cell fate through bioengineered environments.
