Three dimensional asymmetric microenvironment for cell biological studies

Abstract

We report on a method for three-dimensional cultivation of cells in a microstructured asymmetric environment. In the system an asymmetric environment is created by using diffusion through a gel of extra cellular matrix proteins surrounded by microfluidic flow channels. Individual cells embedded in the gel react on the concentration gradient. The system has been evaluated both for diffusion properties and based on the cellular response.NQ