Journal article
Observing and Quantifying Fibroblast-mediated Fibrin Gel Compaction
Journal of Visualized Experiments, Vol.83, e50918
2014
DOI: 10.3791/50918
PMCID: PMC4089430
PMID: 24458198
Abstract
Cells embedded in collagen and fibrin gels attach and exert traction forces on the fibers of the gel. These forces can lead to local and global reorganization and realignment of the gel microstructure. This process proceeds in a complex manner that is dependent in part on the interplay between the location of the cells, the geometry of the gel, and the mechanical constraints on the gel. To better understand how these variables produce global fiber alignment patterns, we use time-lapse differential interference contrast (DIC) microscopy coupled with an environmentally controlled bioreactor to observe the compaction process between geometrically spaced explants (clusters of fibroblasts). The images are then analyzed with a custom image processing algorithm to obtain maps of the strain. The information obtained from this technique can be used to probe the mechanobiology of various cell-matrix interactions, which has important implications for understanding processes in wound healing, disease development, and tissue engineering applications.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Observing and Quantifying Fibroblast-mediated Fibrin Gel Compaction
- Creators
- Aribet M De Jesús - University of IowaEdward A Sander - University of Iowa
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- Journal of Visualized Experiments, Vol.83, e50918
- DOI
- 10.3791/50918
- PMID
- 24458198
- PMCID
- PMC4089430
- NLM abbreviation
- J Vis Exp
- ISSN
- 1940-087X
- eISSN
- 1940-087X
- Publisher
- MyJove Corporation
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 2014
- Academic Unit
- Roy J. Carver Department of Biomedical Engineering; Orthopedics and Rehabilitation; Craniofacial Anomalies Research Center; Chemical and Biochemical Engineering
- Record Identifier
- 9984185471602771
Metrics
14 Record Views