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Lookup NU author(s): Dr Nicola Hunt
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Hydrogels have been widely investigated as 3D culture substrates because of their reported structural similarity to the extracellular matrix (ECM). Limited ECM deposition, however, occurs within these materials, so the resulting "tissues" bear little resemblance to those found in the body. Here matrix deposition by fibroblasts encapsulated within a calcium alginate (Ca-alg) hydrogel was investigated. Although the cells transcribed mRNA for coil I alpha over a period of 3 weeks, very little collagen protein deposition was observed within the gel by histology or immunohistochemistry (IHC). Although molecular diffusion demonstrated charge dependency, this did not prevent the flux of both positively and negative charged amino acids through the gel, suggesting that the absence of ECM could not be attributed to substrate limitation. The flux of protein, however, was charge-dependent as proteins with a net negative charge passed quickly through the Ca-alg into the medium. The minimal collagen deposition within the Ca-alg was attributed to a combination of rapid movement of negatively charged procollagen through the gel and steric hindrance of fibril formation.
Author(s): Smith AM, Hunt NC, Shelton RM, Birdi G, Grover LM
Publication type: Article
Publication status: Published
Journal: Biomacromolecules
Year: 2012
Volume: 13
Issue: 12
Pages: 4032-4038
Print publication date: 19/10/2012
ISSN (print): 1525-7797
ISSN (electronic): 1526-4602
Publisher: American Chemical Society
URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1021/bm301321d
DOI: 10.1021/bm301321d
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