Rapid and high-throughput formation of 3D embryoid bodies in hydrogels using the dielectrophoresis technique

Lab Chip. 2014 Oct 7;14(19):3690-4. doi: 10.1039/c4lc00479e.

Abstract

In this manuscript, we demonstrate the rapid formation of three-dimensional (3D) embryonic stem cell (ESC) aggregates with controllable sizes and shapes in hydrogels using dielectrophoresis (DEP). The ESCs encapsulated within a methacrylated gelatin (GelMA) prepolymer were introduced into a DEP device and, upon applying an electric field and crosslinking of the GelMA hydrogel, formed 3D ESC aggregates. Embryoid bodies (EBs) fabricated using this method showed high cellular viability and pluripotency. The proposed technique enables production of EBs on a large scale and in a high-throughput manner for potential cell therapy and tissue regeneration applications.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cell Culture Techniques / methods*
  • Cell Differentiation
  • Cell Survival
  • Electrophoresis / methods*
  • Embryoid Bodies / physiology*
  • Embryonic Stem Cells
  • High-Throughput Screening Assays / methods*
  • Hydrogels / chemistry*
  • Models, Biological

Substances

  • Hydrogels