Characterization of 3-D collagen hydrogels for functional cell-based biosensing

Best of Both Hydrogel Worlds: Harnessing Bioactivity and Tunability by Incorporating Glycosaminoglycans in Collagen Hydrogels

Collagen, the most abundant protein in mammals, has garnered the interest of scientists for over 50 years. Its ubiquitous presence in all body tissues combined with its excellent biocompatibility has led scientists to study its potential as a biomaterial for a wide variety of biomedical applications with a high degree of success and widespread clinical approval. More recently, in order to increase their tunability and applicability, collagen hydrogels have frequently been co-polymerized with other natural and synthetic polymers. Of special significance is the use of bioactive glycosaminoglycans-the carbohydrate-rich polymers of the ECM responsible for regulating tissue homeostasis and cell signaling. This review covers the recent advances in the development of collagen-based hydrogels and collagen-glycosaminoglycan blend hydrogels for biomedical research. We discuss the formulations and shortcomings of using collagen in isolation, and the advantages of incorporating glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) in the hydrogels. We further elaborate on modifications used on these biopolymers for tunability and discuss tissue specific applications. The information presented herein will demonstrate the versatility and highly translational value of using collagen blended with GAGs as hydrogels for biomedical engineering applications.

Effect of Titanium Implants Coated with Radiation-Crosslinked Collagen on Stability and Osseointegration in Rat Tibia

This study aimed to evaluate the titanium (Ti) implants coated with collagen type Ⅰ crosslinked using gamma-irrigation or glutaraldehyde (GA). The in vitro surface observations, quantification assay, and cell studies using human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) were conducted. For in vivo experiments, the implants were divided into three groups and inserted into the rat tibias: control group (non-treated Ti implant), GA group (Ti implants coated with GA-crosslinked collagen) and 25 kGy group (Ti implants coated with gamma-radiation-crosslinked collagen at dose of 25 kGy). The animals were sacrificed at 4 weeks after implantation and the tissue sections were obtained. New bone volume (mm³) and bone-to-implant contact (BIC, %) within the region of interest (ROI) was measured. The in vitro results showed the highest osteogenic differentiation and levels of osteogenesis-related gene expressions in the 25 kGy group without cytotoxicity. The new bone volume of GA group was significantly higher than the control (p < 0.05). In the result of the BIC, the 25 kGy group was significantly higher than the control (p < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference between the experimental groups. Within the limitations of this study, Ti implant coated with gamma-radiation-crosslinked collagen has potential utility without side effects from chemical agents.

Improving gelation efficiency and cytocompatibility of visible light polymerized thiol-norbornene hydrogels via addition of soluble tyrosine

Hydrogels immobilized with biomimetic peptides have been used widely for tissue engineering and drug delivery applications. Photopolymerization has been among the most commonly used techniques to fabricate peptide-immobilized hydrogels as it offers rapid and robust peptide immobilization within a crosslinked hydrogel network. Both chain-growth and step-growth photopolymerizations can be used to immobilize peptides within covalently crosslinked hydrogels. A previously developed visible light mediated step-growth thiol-norbornene gelation scheme has demonstrated efficient crosslinking of hydrogels composed of an inert poly(ethylene glycol)-norbornene (PEGNB) macromer and a small molecular weight bis-thiol linker, such as dithiothreitol (DTT). Compared with conventional visible light mediated chain-polymerizations where multiple initiator components are required, step-growth photopolymerized thiol-norbornene hydrogels are more cytocompatible for the in situ encapsulation of radical sensitive cells (e.g., pancreatic β-cells). This contribution explored visible light based crosslinking of various bis-cysteine containing peptides with macromer 8-arm PEGNB to form biomimetic hydrogels suitable for in situ cell encapsulation. It was found that the addition of soluble tyrosine during polymerization not only significantly accelerated gelation, but also improved the crosslinking efficiency of PEG-peptide hydrogels as evidenced by a decreased gel point and enhanced gel modulus. In addition, soluble tyrosine drastically enhanced the cytocompatibility of the resulting PEG-peptide hydrogels, as demonstrated by in situ encapsulation and culture of pancreatic MIN6 β-cells. This visible light based thiol-norbornene crosslinking mechanism provides an attractive gelation method for preparing cytocompatible PEG-peptide hydrogels for tissue engineering applications.

Visual Prosthesis: Interfacing Stimulating Electrodes with Retinal Neurons to Restore Vision

The bypassing of degenerated photoreceptors using retinal neurostimulators is helping the blind to recover functional vision. Researchers are investigating new ways to improve visual percepts elicited by these means as the vision produced by these early devices remain rudimentary. However, several factors are hampering the progression of bionic technologies: the charge injection limits of metallic electrodes, the mechanical mismatch between excitable tissue and the stimulating elements, neural and electric crosstalk, the physical size of the implanted devices, and the inability to selectively activate different types of retinal neurons. Electrochemical and mechanical limitations are being addressed by the application of electromaterials such as conducting polymers, carbon nanotubes and nanocrystalline diamonds, among other biomaterials, to electrical neuromodulation. In addition, the use of synthetic hydrogels and cell-laden biomaterials is promising better interfaces, as it opens a door to establishing synaptic connections between the electrode material and the excitable cells. Finally, new electrostimulation approaches relying on the use of high-frequency stimulation and field overlapping techniques are being developed to better replicate the neural code of the retina. All these elements combined will bring bionic vision beyond its present state and into the realm of a viable, mainstream therapy for vision loss.

High-throughput platforms for the screening of new therapeutic targets for neurodegenerative diseases

Despite the recent progress in the understanding of neurodegenerative disorders, a lack of solid fundamental knowledge on the etiology of many of the major neurodegenerative diseases has made it difficult to obtain effective therapies to treat these conditions. Scientists have been looking to carry out more-human-relevant studies, with strong statistical power, to overcome the limitations of preclinical animal models that have contributed to the failure of numerous therapeutics in clinical trials. Here, we identify currently existing platforms to mimic central nervous system tissues, healthy and diseased, mainly focusing on cell-based platforms and discussing their strengths and limitations in the context of the high-throughput screening of new therapeutic targets and drugs.

Microengineered peripheral nerve-on-a-chip for preclinical physiological testing

The use of advanced in vitro testing is a powerful tool to develop predictive cellular assays suitable for improving the high attrition rates of novel pharmaceutical compounds. A microscale, organotypic model of nerve tissue with physiological measures that mimic clinical nerve compound action potential (CAP) and nerve fiber density (NFD) tests may be more predictive of clinical outcomes, enabling a more cost-effective approach for selecting promising lead compounds with higher chances of late-stage success. However, the neurological architecture, physiology, and surrounding extracellular matrix are hard to mimic in vitro. Using a dual hydrogel construct and explants from rat embryonic dorsal root ganglia, the present study describes an in vitro method for electrophysiological recording of intra- and extra-cellular recordings using a spatially-controlled, microengineered sensory neural fiber tract. Specifically, these 3D neural cultures exhibit both structural and functional characteristics that closely mimic those of afferent sensory peripheral fibers found in vivo. Our dual hydrogel system spatially confines growth to geometries resembling nerve fiber tracts, allowing for a high density of parallel, fasciculated neural growth. Perhaps more importantly, outputs resembling clinically relevant test criteria, including the measurement of CAP and NFD are possible through our advanced model. Moreover, the 3D hydrogel constructs allow flexibility in incorporated cell type, geometric fabrication, and electrical manipulation, providing a viable assay for systematic culture, perturbation, and testing of biomimetic neural growth for mechanistic studies necessitating physiologically-relevant readouts.

Organic electrode coatings for next-generation neural interfaces

Traditional neuronal interfaces utilize metallic electrodes which in recent years have reached a plateau in terms of the ability to provide safe stimulation at high resolution or rather with high densities of microelectrodes with improved spatial selectivity. To achieve higher resolution it has become clear that reducing the size of electrodes is required to enable higher electrode counts from the implant device. The limitations of interfacing electrodes including low charge injection limits, mechanical mismatch and foreign body response can be addressed through the use of organic electrode coatings which typically provide a softer, more roughened surface to enable both improved charge transfer and lower mechanical mismatch with neural tissue. Coating electrodes with conductive polymers or carbon nanotubes offers a substantial increase in charge transfer area compared to conventional platinum electrodes. These organic conductors provide safe electrical stimulation of tissue while avoiding undesirable chemical reactions and cell damage. However, the mechanical properties of conductive polymers are not ideal, as they are quite brittle. Hydrogel polymers present a versatile coating option for electrodes as they can be chemically modified to provide a soft and conductive scaffold. However, the in vivo chronic inflammatory response of these conductive hydrogels remains unknown. A more recent approach proposes tissue engineering the electrode interface through the use of encapsulated neurons within hydrogel coatings. This approach may provide a method for activating tissue at the cellular scale, however, several technological challenges must be addressed to demonstrate feasibility of this innovative idea. The review focuses on the various organic coatings which have been investigated to improve neural interface electrodes.

Effect of topology of poly(L-lactide-co-ε-caprolactone) scaffolds on the response of cultured human umbilical cord Wharton's jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells and neuroblastoma cell lines

In this study, for the first time, a biodegradable poly(L-lactide-co-ε-caprolactone), PLC 67:33 copolymer was developed for use as temporary scaffolds in reconstructive nerve surgery. The effect of the surface topology and pore architecture were studied on the biocompatibility for supporting the growth of human umbilical cord Wharton's jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hWJ-MSCs) and human neuroblastoma cells (hNBCs) as cell models. Porous PLC membranes were prepared by electrospinning and phase immersion precipitation with particulate leaching and nonporous PLC membranes were prepared by solvent casting. From the results, the porous PLC membranes can support hWJ-MSCs and hNBCs cells better than the nonporous PLC membrane, and the interconnected pore scaffold prepared by electrospinning exhibited a more significant supporting attachment of the cells than the open pore and nonporous membranes. We can consider that these electrospun PLC membranes with 3-D interconnecting fiber networks and a high porosity warrant a potential use as nerve guides in reconstructive nerve surgery.

Injectable hydrogel incorporating with nanoyarn for bone regeneration

Traditional bone grafting requires an open surgical approach to the graft application sites with the attendant complications of a large surgical scar, increased pain and a longer post-operative recovery. To overcome these limitations, there is a great need for the development of better bone graft substitutes. In this study, we developed a novel injectable system which was a biomimetic bone substitute consisted of Poly (L-lactide-co-ε-caprolactone) (P(LLA-CL)) nanoyarns suspended in type I collagen hydrogel (Col). A dynamic liquid support system was employed to fabricate continuous P(LLA-CL) nanoyarns. The electrospun long nanoyarns were chopped into short nanoyarns before they were incorporated into Col. The result of rheological evaluation showed that the mechanical property of Col was enhanced after the nanoyarns were incorporated into it. The mixture of Col and nanoyarn could be smoothly injected out of 16 gauge needle. In vitro study showed that human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) proliferated well on Col with nanoyarns. Alkaline phosphatase activity and osteocalcin expression of hMSCs on hydrogel with nanoyarns were much higher than those on control groups. This study highlights the potential of using a novel injectable biomimetic scaffold for bone regeneration.

Three dimensional neuronal cell cultures more accurately model voltage gated calcium channel functionality in freshly dissected nerve tissue

It has been demonstrated that neuronal cells cultured on traditional flat surfaces may exhibit exaggerated voltage gated calcium channel (VGCC) functionality. To gain a better understanding of this phenomenon, primary neuronal cells harvested from mice superior cervical ganglion (SCG) were cultured on two dimensional (2D) flat surfaces and in three dimensional (3D) synthetic poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) and polystyrene (PS) polymer scaffolds. These 2D- and 3D-cultured cells were compared to cells in freshly dissected SCG tissues, with respect to intracellular calcium increase in response to high K⁺ depolarization. The calcium increases were identical for 3D-cultured and freshly dissected, but significantly higher for 2D-cultured cells. This finding established the physiological relevance of 3D-cultured cells. To shed light on the mechanism behind the exaggerated 2D-cultured cells’ functionality, transcriptase expression and related membrane protein distributions (caveolin-1) were obtained. Our results support the view that exaggerated VGCC functionality from 2D cultured SCG cells is possibly due to differences in membrane architecture, characterized by uniquely organized caveolar lipid rafts. The practical implication of use of 3D-cultured cells in preclinical drug discovery studies is that such platforms would be more effective in eliminating false positive hits and as such improve the overall yield from screening campaigns.

Advances in cell-based biosensors using three-dimensional cell-encapsulating hydrogels

Cell-based biosensors (CBBs) have emerged as promising biotechnical tools whereby various cell types can be used as basic sensing units to detect external stimuli. Specifically, CBBs have been applied in environmental monitoring, drug screening, clinical diagnosis and biosecurity. For these applications, CBBs offer several advantages over conventional molecular-based biosensors or living animal-based approaches, such as the capability to better mimic physiological situations, to enhance detection specificity and sensitivity, and to detect unknown compounds and toxins. On the other hand, existing CBBs suffer from several limitations, such as weak cell-substrate attachment, two-dimensional (2D) cell microenvironment, and limited shelf life. An emerging method for scaffold-free three-dimensional (3D) cell culture uses hydrogels to encapsulate cells. Advances in novel biomaterials and nano/microscale technologies have enabled encapsulation of cells in hydrogels to fabricate 3D CBBs, which hold great potential for addressing the limitation in existing 2D CBBs. Here, we present an overview of the emerging hydrogel-based CBBs, their applications in pathogen/toxin detection, drug screening and screening of cell-biomaterials interaction, and the associated challenges and potential solutions.

Immobilization of electroporated cells for fabrication of cellular biosensors: physiological effects of the shape of calcium alginate matrices and foetal calf serum

In order to investigate the physiological effect of transfected cell immobilization in calcium alginate gels, we immobilized electroporated Vero cells in gels shaped either as spherical beads or as thin membrane layers. In addition, we investigated whether serum addition had a positive effect on cell proliferation and viability in either gel configuration. The gels were stored for four weeks in a medium supplemented or not with 20% (v/v) foetal calf serum. Throughout a culture period of four weeks, cell proliferation and cell viability were assayed by optical microscopy after provision of Trypan Blue. Non-elaborate culture conditions (room temperature, non-CO₂ enriched culture atmosphere) were applied throughout the experimental period in order to evaluate cell viability under less than optimal storage conditions. Immobilization of electroporated cells was associated with an initially reduced cell viability, which was gradually increased. Immobilization was associated with maintenance of cell growth for the duration of the experimental period, whereas electroporated cells essentially died after a week in suspension culture. Considerable proliferation of immobilized cells was observed in spherical alginate beads. In both gel configurations, addition of serum was associated with increased cell proliferation. The results of the present study could contribute to an improvement of the storability of biosensors based on electroporated, genetically or membrane-engineered cells.

A novel and simple cell-based detection system with a collagen-encapsulated B-lymphocyte cell line as a biosensor for rapid detection of pathogens and toxins

Cell-based biosensors (CBBs) are becoming important tools for biosecurity applications and rapid diagnostics in food microbiology for their unique capability of detecting physiologically hazardous materials. A multi-well plate-based biosensor containing B-cell hybridoma, Ped-2E9, encapsulated in type I collagen matrix, was developed for rapid detection of viable cells of pathogenic Listeria, the toxin listeriolysin O, and the enterotoxin from Bacillus species. This sensor measures the alkaline phosphatase release from infected Ped-2E9 cells colorimetrically. Pathogenic L. monocytogenes cells and toxin preparations from L. monocytogenes or B. cereus showed cytotoxicity ranging from 24 to 98% at 3-6 h postinfection. In contrast, nonpathogenic L. innocua (F4247) and B. subtilis induced minimal cytotoxicity, ranging only 0.4-7.6%. Laser scanning cytometry and cryo-nano scanning electron microscopy confirmed the live or dead status of the infected Ped-2E9 cells in gel matrix. This paper presents the first example of a cell-based sensing system using collagen-encapsulated mammalian cells for rapid detection of pathogenic bacteria or toxin, and demonstrates a potential for onsite use as a portable detection system.

Differential effect of the shape of calcium alginate matrices on the physiology of immobilized neuroblastoma N2a and Vero cells: a comparative study

In order to investigate the effect of cell immobilization in calcium alginate gels on cell physiology, we immobilized Vero or N2a neuroblastoma cells in gels shaped either as spherical beads or as thin membrane layers. Throughout a culture period of 4 weeks cell viability, RNA and cytoplasmic calcium concentration and glutathione accumulation were assayed by fluorescence microscopy after provision of an appropriate dye. Non-elaborate culture conditions were applied throughout the experimental period in order to evaluate cell viability under less than optimal storage conditions. Vero cell proliferation was observed only in spherical beads, while N2a cell proliferation was observed in both configurations until the third week of culture. Increased [Ca2+]cyt could be associated with cell proliferation only when cells were immobilized in spherical beads, while a considerable decrease in the biosynthesis of reduced glutathione and RNA was observed in cells immobilized in thin membrane layers. The observed effects of the shape of the immobilization matrix may be due to differences in external mass transfer resistance. Therefore, depending on cell type, cell proliferation could have been promoted by either increased (Vero) or decreased (N2a) nutrient and oxygen flow to immobilized cells. The results of the present study could contribute to an improvement of immobilized cell sensor storability.

A packed Cytodex microbead array for three-dimensional cell-based biosensing

A packed Cytodex 3 microbead array was fabricated as a simple three-dimensional (3-D) cell-based biosensing format. Resting membrane potentials and voltage-gated calcium channel (VGCC) function of SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells cultured on the microbead array versus collagen-coated flat (2-D) substrates were evaluated by confocal microscopy with a potentiometric dye, tetramethylrhodamine methyl ester, and a calcium fluorescent indicator, Calcium Green-1. SH-SY5Y cells, differentiated with 1mM dibutyryl cAMP and 2.5 microM 5-bromodeoxyuridine, showed significant resting membrane potential establishment on the topographical scaffolds in a period of 13 days into differentiation, in contrast to the previously reported insignificant resting membrane potential establishment of the same cells within collagen hydrogels. On days 2, 8 and 13 into differentiation, cells on collagen-coated flat substrates developed resting membrane potentials of -6.0+/-19.5 mV (n=198), -30.5+/-19.9 mV (n=191) and -21.7+/-18.9 mV (n=308), in contrast to values for cells on 3-D scaffolds of -25.8+/-14.7 mV (n=112), -37.6+/-13.1 mV (n=120) and -28.7+/-12.2 mV (n=158), respectively. The development of VGCC function, as measured by percentage of cells responsive to 50 mM high K(+) depolarization, was significantly slower for cells on 3-D scaffolds (20.0% on day 13 into differentiation) than for cells on 2-D substrates (30.7% on day 8 into differentiation). The exaggerated 2-D cell calcium dynamics, in comparison with those of 3-D cells, is consistent with previous 2-D/3-D comparative studies. This study established the rationale and feasibility of the microbead array format for 3-D cell-based biosensing.

Interfacing SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells with SU-8 microstructures

Microwell structures were fabricated using SU-8 photoresist for engineering a quasi-three-dimensional (quasi-3D) microenvironment for cultured neuronal cells. SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells were successfully integrated into microwells of a nominal diameter of 100 microm, with or without 10-microm wide microchannels connecting neighboring microwells, in an aspect ratio (ratio of structure depth over width) of approximately 1. With the help of polyethylene glycol stamping and laminin coating, a neuronal-like network was achieved by integrating populations of SH-SY5Y cells with a microwell network pattern. Resting membrane potential establishment was evaluated with confocal microscopy and the potentiometric fluorescent dye tetramethylrhodamine methyl ester. It was found that the intra/extracellular fluorescent intensity ratio (R) was 2.4+/-1.4 [n (number of cells measured)=112] for SH-SY5Y cells on flat SU-8 substrates on day 5 into differentiation, which was not significantly different from the ratio on day 13 into differentiation, 2.0+/-1.8 (n=104) (P>0.05). For cells in the microwell network structures, R was 4.8+/-4.7 (n=51) and 3.9+/-3.2 (n=62) on days 5 and 13 into differentiation, respectively (P>0.5). Cells within the network structures had higher R ratios than on flat substrates, for either day 5 or 13 into differentiation (P<0.01). These results demonstrated that the well network structures, or topographically patterned substrates, were more suitable formats for promoting SH-SY5Y cell resting membrane potential establishment than flat substrates, suggesting the potential to control cellular function through substrate topography engineering.

Functional polymer hydrogels for embryonic stem cell support

Embryonic stem (ES) cells are pluripotent cells with the ability to differentiate among all embryonic and adult cell lineages. Derivation of human ES cells opened up the way for treatment of many serious disorders by stem cell-based transplantation therapy. One of the most exciting challenges in development of transplantation therapies is to repair the damaged part of the organ or tissue by transplantation of undifferentiated ES cells or their differentiated derivatives within three-dimensional polymer scaffold. This method allows both renewal of structure and restoration of function of the organ. To address this issue, new polymer hydrogels were synthesized and tested. Cationic hydrogel slabs were synthesized by bulk radical copolymerization of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) and 2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA) with ethylene dimethacrylate (EDMA) or 1-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone (VP) with N,N'-divinylethyleneurea (DVEU) or EDMA in the presence of saccharose or NaCl as a porogen. Swelling studies of the synthesized copolymers showed a high water content in the swollen state. Biocompatibility was studied with the use of feeder-independent mouse ES cell line D3. Cells grown either on the surface or inside synthesized polymer slabs suggest that the tested slabs are not toxic. The ability of ES cells to proliferate was only partially limited in PHEMA slabs crosslinked with EDMA compared with standard culture conditions. When cultured for a limited period of time, ES cells retained their undifferentiated state independently of properties of the hydrogel slabs, presence or absence of surface charges, type of crosslinking agent and matrix (PHEMA or PVP). Notably, prolonged culture in superporous hydrogel slabs initiated ES cell differentiation. Compared with unmodified PHEMA, the number of proliferating ES cells was still lower in the presence of cationic polymers.

Application of "membrane-engineering" to bioelectric recognition cell sensors for the ultra-sensitive detection of superoxide radical: a novel biosensor principle

A new, hybrid type of ultra-sensitive electrophysiological superoxide anion (O2*-) sensor is described, which is based on "membrane-engineered" mammalian cells immobilized in an alginate matrix. The membrane-engineering process involved the electroinsertion of superoxide dismutase (SOD) molecules in the membranes of Vero fibroblast cells, which acted as catalytic units able to convert O2*- to H2O2. Superoxide dismutation triggered changes to the cell membrane potential that were measured by appropriate microelectrodes, according to the principle of the bioelectric recognition assay (BERA). The sensor instantly responded to O2*- with a detection limit (S/N=3) of 100 pM. Combined with a 4-month storage capacity at room temperature, the novel biosensor principle offers new perspectives for monitoring ultra-low concentrations of free radical species and oxidative agents in biological systems.

Human neuroblastoma (SH-SY5Y) cell culture and differentiation in 3-D collagen hydrogels for cell-based biosensing

Cell-based three-dimensional systems are desirable in the field of high throughput screening assays due to their potential similarity to in vivo environment. We have used SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells cultured in 3-D collagen hydrogel, confocal microscopy and immunofluorescence staining, to assess the merit of the system as a functional, cell-based biosensor. Our results show differences between 2-D and 3-D resting membrane potential development profile upon differentiation. There was no statistically significant difference in SH-SY5Y proliferation rate between 2-D monolayer and 3-D collagen culture formats. A large percentage of cells (2-D, 91.30% and 3-D, 84.93%) did not develop resting membrane potential value equal to or lower than -40 mV; instead cells exhibited a heterogeneous resting membrane potential distribution. In response to high K(+) (50 mM) depolarization, 3-D cells were less responsive in terms of increase in intracellular Ca(2+), in comparison to 2-D cells, supporting the hypothesis that 2-D cell calcium dynamics may be exaggerated. L-Type Ca(2+) expression levels based on staining results was inconsistent with Bay K 8644 channel activation results, strongly suggesting that either the majority of the channels were non-functional or could not be activated by Bay K 8644. In general, the results in this study confirm the depolarization-induced differences in intracellular calcium release when cultured using a 2-D versus a 3-D matrix.

An engineered microenvironment for multidimensional microscopy of live cells

Multidimensional imaging (MD) of live cells is gaining importance in biomedical research as the commercial availability of confocal, nonlinear optical microscopes, environmental chambers, and specific fluorescence probes grows. One crucial aspect of the MD live cell imaging involves the proper immobilization of cells, which refers to the rapid and sufficient immobilization of cells on the microscope stage, neither disrupting the cellular structure and functions nor affecting the optical properties of the cells and the environments. Conventional cell immobilization methods glue the anchoring cells to coated surfaces, but such methods require centrifugation or extended incubation and are not suitable for cells in suspension. Most of the current three-dimensional (3-D) gels either exhibit unsatisfactory optical properties or have adverse effects on cell functions in culture. Recently, an engineered 3-D microcapsule has been developed that involves the complex coacervation of a positively charged collagen and a negatively charged polymer of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate--methacrylic acid--methyl methacrylate (HEMA-MMA-MAA). Hence, confocal imaging of live cells in this engineered 3-D microenvironment was investigated for its optical properties and cellular function compatibility. We report here that this microenvironment facilitates efficient cell immobilization, exhibits good optical properties, and can preserve cellular structures and functions, which will be useful in MD imaging of live cells for various applications.

Development of a novel, multi-analyte biosensor system for assaying cell division: identification of cell proliferation/death precursor events

A novel, miniaturized biosensor system was created by combining the electrophysiological response of immobilized cells with superoxide-sensing technology, optical and fluorescence microscopy. Vero cells were immobilized in a calcium alginate matrix (at a density of 1.7 x 10(6) cells ml(-1)). A 0.5 cm x 0.5 cm piece of cell-containing gel matrix was aseptically adhered on a glass microscope slide with a microfabricated gold electrode array, sealed with a cover slip and provided with Dulbecco's medium +10% (v/v) fetal calf serum every day by means of a capillary feeding tube. During a culture period of 7 days, the membrane potential of immobilized cells was continuously monitored, while cell division was assayed with an optical microscope. In addition, daily measurements of immobilized cell membrane potential, viability, RNA and calcium concentration, radical oxygen species (ROS) and glutathione accumulation, were conducted by fluorescence microscopy after provision of an appropriate dye. Superoxide accumulation was assayed by covering the electrodes with superoxide dismutase (SOD). Maximum cell membrane potential values and superoxide production were observed upon initiation of cell division. Using the novel biosensor, we were able to correlate seven different cell physiological parameters to each other and formulate a model for ROS-mediated signaling function on cell division and death. In addition, we were able to predict cell proliferation or death by comparing the relative response of the electrophysiological and superoxide sensor during the culture period.

Determination of resting membrane potential of individual neuroblastoma cells (IMR-32) using a potentiometric dye (TMRM) and confocal microscopy

The potentiometric dye, Tetramethylrhodamine methyl ester (TMRM) has been extensively used with fluorometry or optical microscopy to evaluate the electric potential across plasma or mitochondrial membranes. We present here a TMRM confocal microscopy-based potential measurement technique. Corrections are introduced to minimize nonspecific dye binding and insensitivity to low background levels. We have used this technique to compare the resting membrane potential of proliferating and differentiated human neuroblastoma cells (IMR-32).