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Electrokinetic Perfusion Through Three-Dimensional Culture Reduces Cell Mortality
Anyesha Sarkar1, Mark A Messerli1
1Department of Biology and Microbiology, South Dakota State University, Brookings, South Dakota, USA.
Tissue Engineering. Part A
|April 6, 2021
Summary
Electrokinetic perfusion (EKP) significantly reduces cell mortality in 3D cultures compared to pressure-driven perfusion (PDP). Both continuous and pulsed EKP effectively enhance cell survival, offering advantages for tissue engineering and transplantation.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Cell Biology
- Bioengineering
Background:
- Cell survival and proliferation depend on efficient mass transfer of nutrients and waste.
- Limited mass transfer by diffusion poses challenges in tissue engineering and transplantation.
- Artificial perfusion strategies are needed to overcome diffusion limitations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the efficacy of pressure-driven perfusion (PDP) and electrokinetic perfusion (EKP) in reducing cell mortality in 3D cultures.
- To characterize electro-osmotic flow in Matrigel to match interstitial flow rates.
- To evaluate the impact of continuous versus pulsed EKP on cell survival.
Main Methods:
- Utilized three-dimensional Matrigel cultures to mimic tissue environments.
- Generated interstitial flow using both pressure-driven perfusion (PDP) and electrokinetic perfusion (EKP).
- Quantified cell mortality under different perfusion conditions (continuous/pulsed EKP, PDP).
Main Results:
- Continuous EKP demonstrated more consistent reduction in cell mortality than PDP at comparable flow rates.
- Pulsed EKP achieved cell mortality reduction comparable to continuous EKP.
- Electrokinetic flow rates in Matrigel were characterized to match pressure-driven flow.
Conclusions:
- Electrokinetic perfusion (EKP) offers significant advantages over pressure-driven perfusion (PDP) for enhancing cell survival in engineered tissues.
- EKP is a promising method for promoting tissue viability prior to neovascularization and angiogenesis.
- EKP may be crucial for applications in tissue engineering, transplantation, and regenerative medicine.
