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Hybrid Oxygen-Sensing Bio-Scaffolds for 3D Micro-Tissue Models
Liang Li1, Alexander V Zhdanov2, Dmitri B Papkovsky3
1Nanoscale Biophotonics Laboratory, University of Galway, H91 TK33 Galway, Ireland.
Biosensors
|February 26, 2026
Summary
New 3D bio-scaffolds with oxygen-sensing capabilities were developed using hybrid materials. Matrigel-based scaffolds with nanoparticulate probes demonstrated superior performance for monitoring cell and spheroid oxygenation.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Engineering
- Cell Biology
- Biomedical Optics
Background:
- 3D cell culturing in bio-scaffolds is popular but lacks precise micro-environment control.
- Monitoring oxygen levels is crucial for understanding tissue development and disease.
- Existing oxygen-sensing methods in 3D scaffolds have limitations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop novel hybrid bio-scaffolds with integrated 3D oxygen (O2)-sensing abilities.
- To evaluate and compare different oxygen-sensing materials integrated into common scaffolding materials.
- To demonstrate the utility of these hybrid scaffolds for monitoring cell and spheroid oxygenation.
Main Methods:
- Hybrid bio-scaffolds were fabricated by integrating phosphorescent oxygen-sensing materials (polymeric microparticles, MitoXpress, NanO2, Nano-IR) into Matrigel and agarose.
- Scaffolds were characterized for heterogeneity, stability, cytotoxicity, optical signals, and oxygen-sensing properties.
- HCT116 cells and spheroids were cultured in optimized Matrigel-nanoparticulate probe scaffolds.
- Oxygenation and O2 gradients were monitored using time-resolved fluorescence plate readers and phosphorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (PLIM).
Main Results:
- Matrigel-based hybrid scaffolds incorporating NanO2 and Nano-IR probes exhibited superior performance.
- The developed scaffolds demonstrated stability, low cytotoxicity, and effective oxygen-sensing capabilities.
- Successful time-resolved monitoring of oxygenation and local O2 gradients in HCT116 cell cultures and spheroids was achieved.
Conclusions:
- Hybrid bio-scaffolds integrating nanoparticulate oxygen-sensing probes offer a promising solution for precise micro-environment control in 3D cell culture.
- Matrigel-NP hybrids provide a robust platform for real-time oxygen monitoring in complex cellular models.
- This technology facilitates advanced research in tissue engineering, developmental biology, and drug screening.
