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Patterning of sharp cellular interfaces with a reconfigurable elastic substrate.
- Source :
-
Integrative biology : quantitative biosciences from nano to macro [Integr Biol (Camb)] 2017 Jan 23; Vol. 9 (1), pp. 50-57. - Publication Year :
- 2017
-
Abstract
- Micropatterned cocultures are a useful experimental tool for the study of cell-cell interactions. Patterning methods often rely on sequential seeding of different cell types or removal of a barrier separating two populations, but it is difficult to pattern sharp interfaces between pure populations with low cross-contamination when using these approaches. Patterning by the use of reconfigurable substrates can overcome these limitations, but such methods can be costly and challenging to employ in a typical biology laboratory. Here, we describe a low-cost and simple-to-use reconfigurable substrate comprised of a transparent elastic material that is partially cut to form a slit that opens when the device is stretched. The slit seals back up when released, allowing two initially separate, adherent cell populations to be brought together to form a contact interface. Fluorescent imaging of patterned cocultures demonstrates the early establishment of a sharp cellular interface. As a proof of principle, we demonstrate the use of this device to study competition at the interface of two stem cell populations.
- Subjects :
- Algorithms
Animals
Bioengineering
Cell Line
Cell Movement physiology
Coculture Techniques methods
Elasticity
Embryonic Stem Cells cytology
Embryonic Stem Cells physiology
Equipment Design
Mice
Models, Biological
NIH 3T3 Cells
Wound Healing physiology
Cell Communication physiology
Cellular Microenvironment physiology
Coculture Techniques instrumentation
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 1757-9708
- Volume :
- 9
- Issue :
- 1
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- Integrative biology : quantitative biosciences from nano to macro
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 28001149
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1039/c6ib00203j