Modular Multiwell Viscoelastic Hydrogel Platform for Two- and Three-Dimensional Cell Culture Applications

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Cell Biology
• Tissue Engineering

Background:

• Hydrogels are crucial for studying cell-microenvironment interactions.
• Current hydrogel fabrication methods are time-consuming and limit multiplexing.
• A need exists for efficient, scalable hydrogel platforms for cell culture.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a modular fabrication approach for generating distinct hydrogel microenvironments.
• To increase throughput and reduce fabrication time and material usage.
• To enable both 2D and 3D cell culture applications within a single platform.

Main Methods:

• A modular fabrication strategy was implemented in a 96-well plate format.
• In situ mechanical characterization of elastic and viscoelastic hydrogels.
• Assessment of cell viability and culture metrics using microplate readers and high-content imaging.

Main Results:

• Achieved a 3-fold reduction in polymer and up to an 8-fold reduction in fabrication time per replicate.
• Demonstrated feasibility for both 2D cell culture (population and single-cell levels) and 3D cell culture with high viability.
• Successfully generated diverse hydrogel microenvironments within the same plate.

Conclusions:

• The developed modular fabrication approach is versatile, adaptable, and efficient.
• This platform enhances throughput for hydrogel-based cell culture studies.
• It supports the integration of advanced hydrogel technologies for cell biology research.