4DCELL DEVICE

Coverslips coated with gels

READ-OUTS

Identification, quantification and analysis of bile canaliculi

STANDARD CULTURE LIMITATION

Cultured in a 2D environment, cells loose rapidly their phenotypic expression and their functions.

3D LIVER CANALICULI ASSAYS

A 3D environment is more relevant for cell culture because it enables to reflect in vivo physiology of cells.
4Dcell offers soft 3D gels for the fulfilment of a cell culture enabling spheroid formation to better mimic in vivo conditions.

EXAMPLE

Accumulation of F-actin, MRP2 and MDR1, specific markers of the canalicular plasma membrane, have been detected in low-density HepaRG^TM cultures using wood-derived nanofibrillar cellulose (NFC) and hyaluronan-gelatin (HG) hydrogels after spheroid formation. It has been compared to a 2D cell culture where the activity of MRP2 and MDR1 is lower.

Spheroid formation in a soft substrate versus flat substrate

REFERENCE

Malinen, M. et al. (2014). Biomaterials, 35(19), 5110-5121.