Adjusting Degree of Modification and Composition of gelAGE-Based Hydrogels Improves Long-Term Survival and Function of Primary Human Fibroblasts and Endothelial Cells in 3D Cultures

Genc H, Cianciosi A, Lohse R, Stahlhut P, Groll J, Alexiou C, Cicha I, Juengst T (2023)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2023

Journal

Biomacromolecules American Chemical Society

Abstract

This study aimed to develop a suitable hydrogel-based 3D platform to support long-term culture of primary endothelial cells (ECs) and fibroblasts. Two hydrogel systems based on allyl-modified gelatin (gelAGE), G1MM and G2LH, were cross-linked via thiol-ene click reaction with a four-arm thiolated polyethylene glycol (PEG-4-SH). Compared to G1MM, the G2LH hydrogel was characterized by the lower polymer content and cross -linking density with a softer matrix and homogeneous and open porosity. Cell viability in both hydrogels was comparable, although the G2LH-based platform supported better F-actin organization, cell- cell interactions, and collagen and fibronectin production. In co -cultures, early morphogenesis leading to tubular-like structures was observed within 2 weeks. Migration of fibroblasts out of spheroids embedded in the G2LH hydrogels started after 5 days of incubation. Taken together, the results demonstrated that the G2LH hydrogel fulfilled the demands of both ECs and fibroblasts to enable long-term culture and matrix remodeling.

Authors with CRIS profile

Hatice Genc Department of Otorhinolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery Christoph Alexiou Professur für Nanomedizin Iwona Cicha Professur für Nanomedizin

Involved external institutions

Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg

Germany (DE)

How to cite

APA:

Genc, H., Cianciosi, A., Lohse, R., Stahlhut, P., Groll, J., Alexiou, C.,... Juengst, T. (2023). Adjusting Degree of Modification and Composition of gelAGE-Based Hydrogels Improves Long-Term Survival and Function of Primary Human Fibroblasts and Endothelial Cells in 3D Cultures. Biomacromolecules. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.biomac.2c01536

MLA:

Genc, Hatice, et al. "Adjusting Degree of Modification and Composition of gelAGE-Based Hydrogels Improves Long-Term Survival and Function of Primary Human Fibroblasts and Endothelial Cells in 3D Cultures." Biomacromolecules (2023).

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