Layered patterning of hepatocytes in co-culture systems using microfabricated stencils

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-1-2010

Abstract

Microfabrication and micropatterning techniques in tissue engineering offer great potential for creating and controlling microenvironments in which cell behavior can be observed. Here we present a novel approach to generate layered patterning of hepatocytes on micropatterned fibroblast feeder layers using microfabricated polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) stencils. We fabricated PDMS stencils to pattern circular holes with diameters of 500 μm. Hepatocytes were co-cultured with 3T3-J2 fibroblasts in two types of patterns to evaluate and characterize the cellular interactions in the co-culture systems. Results of this study demonstrated uniform intracellular albumin staining and E-cadherin expression, increased liver-specific functions, and active glycogen synthesis in the hepatocytes when the heterotypic interface between hepatocytes and fibroblasts was increased by the layered patterning technique. This patterning technique can be a useful experimental tool for applications in basic science, drug screening, and tissue engineering, as well as in the design of bioartificial liver devices.

Identifier

77449160201 (Scopus)

Publication Title

Biotechniques

External Full Text Location

https://doi.org/10.2144/000113317

ISSN

07366205

PubMed ID

20078427

First Page

47

Last Page

52

Issue

1

Volume

48

Grant

K18DK076819

Fund Ref

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases

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