Patterning of sharp cellular interfaces with a reconfigurable elastic substrate

Integr Biol (Camb). 2017 Jan 23;9(1):50-57. doi: 10.1039/c6ib00203j.

Abstract

Micropatterned cocultures are a useful experimental tool for the study of cell-cell interactions. Patterning methods often rely on sequential seeding of different cell types or removal of a barrier separating two populations, but it is difficult to pattern sharp interfaces between pure populations with low cross-contamination when using these approaches. Patterning by the use of reconfigurable substrates can overcome these limitations, but such methods can be costly and challenging to employ in a typical biology laboratory. Here, we describe a low-cost and simple-to-use reconfigurable substrate comprised of a transparent elastic material that is partially cut to form a slit that opens when the device is stretched. The slit seals back up when released, allowing two initially separate, adherent cell populations to be brought together to form a contact interface. Fluorescent imaging of patterned cocultures demonstrates the early establishment of a sharp cellular interface. As a proof of principle, we demonstrate the use of this device to study competition at the interface of two stem cell populations.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Algorithms
  • Animals
  • Bioengineering
  • Cell Communication / physiology*
  • Cell Line
  • Cell Movement / physiology
  • Cellular Microenvironment / physiology*
  • Coculture Techniques / instrumentation*
  • Coculture Techniques / methods
  • Elasticity
  • Embryonic Stem Cells / cytology
  • Embryonic Stem Cells / physiology
  • Equipment Design
  • Mice
  • Models, Biological
  • NIH 3T3 Cells
  • Wound Healing / physiology