Cells on a Hydrogel Matrix 2
Cells on a Hydrogel Matrix 2
Suman Bose, Lisa Volpatti, Robert Langer, Daniel G. Anderson
Koch Institute at MIT, MIT Department of Chemical Engineering, Institute of Medical Engineering and Science
The images represent cells growing within a hydrogel matrix. The hydrogel matrix is shaped like a fiber though a special fabrication technique. The hydrogel provides a scaffold for the encapsulated cells to attach and grow. The cells express a fluorescent protein that allows us to image the cells while the hydrogel matrix is clear.
The images were taken to see how the cells divide and grow within the hydrogel fibers. Unlike other hydrogel structure, we believe the unique fabrication process creates special ultra-structure of the hydrogel molecules causing the cells to grow in interesting radiating pattern instead of forming spheroids.