Vasculogenesis
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48hr timelapse video of vascular network formation
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Endothelial cells seeded in hydrogel can form perfusable microvasculature networks by a vasculogenesis-like process. This approach can be used to develop advanced in vitro models where the interactions between a functional vasculature (characterized by mature vessel walls and tissue parenchyma) is critical to mimic pathophysiological processes (intra- and extravasation processes involving leukocytes and cancer cells). Diffusion and effects of therapeutics can be tested in complex microenvironments.
Protocols
The DAX-1 chip design is suitable for vasculogenesis assays; however, the detailed protocols for the AIM chips are currently being developed. Please refer to (3) and (4) in the publication list below for papers that used PDMS versions of the chip to conduct this assay.
Three-gel chip
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2-gel chip
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Whisler et al. (1) used a 3-gel design in their paper that allowed fibroblasts to be co-cultured alongside (but not in contact with) endothelial cells. Chen et al. (2) used a 2-gel design to meet the same objective.
Let us know if you are interested in these chip designs and we'll prioritise their development. |
References
- Whisler, J.A., M.B. Chen, and R.D. Kamm, Control of Perfusable Microvascular Network Morphology Using a Multiculture Microfluidic System. Tissue Engineering Part C: Methods, 2014. 20(7): p. 543-552.
- Chen, M.B., et al., Mechanisms of tumor cell extravasation in an in vitro microvascular network platform. Integrative Biology, 2013. 5(10): p. 1262-1271.
- Park, Y., et al., In Vitro Microvessel Growth and Remodeling within a Three-Dimensional Microfluidic Environment. Cellular and Molecular Bioengineering, 2014. 7(1): p. 15-25.
- Jeon, J.S., et al., Generation of 3D functional microvascular networks with human mesenchymal stem cells in microfluidic systems. Integrative Biology, 2014. 6(5): p. 555-563.
