The Three-Dimensional Microcarrier-Based Angiogenesis Assay: Optimization and Application

Authors

  • Franziska Dietrich Drexel University
  • Peter I. Lelkes Drexel University

Abstract

The generation of 3-D vascular networks in engineered tissues can be studied by culturing endothelial cells (ECs) on Cytodex3 microcarrier beads in 3-D matrices in vitro. By optimizing this model we found that the initial EC attachment to the beads depended on EC type and EC/bead culture method, while the EC/bead culture time influenced EC migration . A confluent EC monolayer on the microcarrier bead surfaces formed only when bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAECs) were admixed to the beads under constant agitation. After embedment of these BAEC-coated beads into collagen and fibrin gels, we characterized the outgrowth. Interestingly, migration distance and type were influenced not only be the matrix itself but also by the serum supplementation of the cell culture medium. While at serum concentrations of 0% and 10% the average migration distance was highest in collagen gels, tube formation was enhanced in fibrin matrices. The opposite result was observed at a serum concentration of 0.1%. The average migration distance was reduced and the number of tubes per bead doubled in collagen matrices compared to fibrin matrices. These results stress the importance of a careful selection of cell type, culture method and matrix for in vitro angiogenesis studies. In addition, the results show the existence of a complex interplay of three-dimensional matrix and serum concentration, which can influence the outcome of in vitro angiogenesis assay experiments.

Author Biographies

Franziska Dietrich, Drexel University

School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems

Peter I. Lelkes, Drexel University

School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems

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Published

2005-12-31

How to Cite

[1]
F. Dietrich and P. I. Lelkes, “The Three-Dimensional Microcarrier-Based Angiogenesis Assay: Optimization and Application”, CMBES Proc., vol. 28, no. 1, Dec. 2005.

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Section

Academic