Abstract

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Author(s):: LI Zhiwen1; 2; LIU Zhicheng1; 2; QIAN Xiuqing1; 2; 1. School of Biomedical Engineering, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China 2. Beijing Key Laboratory of Fundamental Research on Biomechanics in Clinical Application, Beijing 100069, China

Keywords:: Keywords: astrocytes agarose gel three-dimensional culture mechanical property

Abstract:: Abstract: Objective To prepare different concentrations of agarose gels for the three-dimensional astrocytes culture in vitro, thereby finding the ideal environment for astrocytes culture in vitro. Methods The agarose gels at the mass concentrations of 1%, 2% and 3% were prepared and their elastic moduli were measured using nanoindentation test. The astrocytes were cultured in the gels for 1, 3, 5 and 7 days to observe cell activity and cell cytoskeletal changes. Results The elastic moduli of agarose gels gradually increased with increasing gel concentration. The elastic modulus of 2% agarose gel was closest to that of the lamina cribrosa. The cell activity was higher in 2% and 3% agarose gels than 1% agarose gels. As the culture time increased, the processes of astrocytes gradually protruded, and the cells were changed from spherical to spindle or starlike, closer to the actual growth state of cells. Conclusion 2% agarose gel is closest to the in vivo environment of astrocytes, and the cell viability in 2% agarose gel is higher. Therefore, 2% agarose gel is an ideal environment for three-dimensional cell culture in vitro.