Three-dimensional cellular construct with impregnated silicon nanowires for intracellular optoelectronic...

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Tissue Engineering
• Cellular Biophysics

Background:

• Three-dimensional (3D) tissue models offer superior in vivo microenvironment replication compared to 2D monolayers.
• Current electrical stimulation tools lack the complexity and accuracy for intracellular modulation within 3D cellular constructs.
• Advancing 3D tissue models is crucial for reducing reliance on animal models and enhancing research relevance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel 3D electroconductive scaffold (e-scaffold) for precise intracellular electrical modulation.
• To enable leadless and localized optoelectronic manipulation within 3D cellular constructs at subcellular resolution.
• To demonstrate the utility of the e-scaffold for studying cell-cell interactions in a 3D context.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a 3D e-scaffold using alginate and/or collagen, impregnated with free-standing silicon nanowires.
• Demonstration of scaffold biocompatibility using fibroblast cell lines and primary cardiac cells.
• Optogenetic stimulation of intracellular nanowires and visualization of cellular responses (e.g., calcium) via confocal microscopy.

Main Results:

• The e-scaffold demonstrated versatility, simplicity, and biocompatibility in 3D tissue culture.
• Successful intracellular electrical modulation at subcellular resolution was achieved through optoelectronic stimulation.
• The e-scaffold facilitated the study of cardiac myofibroblast and cardiomyocyte coupling in a 3D environment.

Conclusions:

• The developed 3D e-scaffold enables advanced intracellular electrical modulation within complex 3D tissue constructs.
• This technology provides a powerful tool for studying cellular electrophysiology and interactions in a physiologically relevant context.
• The e-scaffold represents a significant advancement for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine research.