Hydrogels as artificial matrices for cell seeding in microfluidic devices
Fahima Akther, Peter J. Little, Zhiyong Li, Nam‐Trung Nguyen, Hang T. Ta
Abstract
mechanical environment. Moreover, combining a microfluidic technique with a hydrogel-based 3D cell culture system can create a complex and controlled microenvironment for the cells by placing small biosamples inside the microchannel. This paper provides an overview of the structural similarities of the hydrogels as an extracellular matrix (ECM), their classification and fabrication techniques as an ECM, and their use in microfluidic 3D cell culture systems. Finally, the paper presents the current challenges and future perspectives of using hydrogel scaffolds in microfluidic 3D cell culture systems.
Topics & Concepts
Self-healing hydrogelsSeedingMicrofluidicsNanotechnology3D cell cultureIn vivoMaterials scienceChemistryCellBiologyPolymer chemistryBiotechnologyBiochemistryAgronomy3D Printing in Biomedical ResearchHydrogels: synthesis, properties, applicationsInnovative Microfluidic and Catalytic Techniques Innovation