How it works
Create physiological cell culture models in 15 min
Let it flow!
Tube formation/angiogenesis assays
LunaGel™ ECM has successfully been applied for the in vitro generation of capillary networks formed by primary endothelial cells (human umbilical vein endothelial cells, HUVECs) and pericytes (primary human mesenchymal stem cells, MSCs). In contrast to existing tube formation assays using basement membrane extracts, capillary-like structures can be generated by embedded cells (true 3D environment), as opposed to seeding cells on top of the hydrogel. They are also stable for much longer (up to 20 days compared to 1-2 days in Matrigel). When cultured in specialised microfluidic chips, LunaGel™-embedded HUVECs/MSCs form perfusable capillaries capable of replicating physiological blood flow conditions.
Capillary network formation of HUVECs and MSCs in LunaGel™
HUVECs and MSCs were cultured in LunaGel™ (Porcine Skin Gelatin, 0.8 kPa) in the presence of VEGF, SDF-1, and FGF-2, fixed with 4% PFA, and stained for endothelial cell marker CD31 (green) and actin (red).
Microfluidic capillary network perfusion
When cultured in specialised microfluidic chips, LunaGel™-embedded human HUVECs/MSCs form perfusable capillaries capable of replicating physiological blood flow conditions. These can be used to study metastatic processes like vascular intravasation, or angiogenesis. Check out the figure and video below.
Capillary network formation of LunaGel™-embedded HUVECs and MSCs in microfluidic chips
HUVECs and MSCs were resuspended in a solution of LunaGel™ (Porcine Skin Gelatin), injected into microfluidic chips, and crosslinked to approximately 0.8 kPa stiffness using the LunaCrosslinker™ Visible Light Crosslinking System. Cells were cultured in the presence of VEGF, SDF-1, and FGF-2, fixed with 4% PFA, and stained for endothelial cell marker CD31 (green) and actin (red).
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