Electron Microscopy for 3D Scaffolds–Cell Biointerface Characterization. Issue 2 (9th October 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Iandolo, Donata; Pennacchio, Fabrizio A.; Mollo, Valentina; Rossi, Domenico; Dannhauser, David; Cui, Bianxiao; Owens, Roisin M.; Santoro, Francesca
• Is Part Of: Advanced biosystems. Volume 3:Issue 2(2019)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2018-10-09
• Subjects: 3D materials -- cell–material interface -- focused ion beam -- scaffold -- scanning electron microscopy; Biological systems -- Periodicals; Biotechnology -- Periodicals; Bioengineering -- Periodicals; Biomedical engineering -- Periodicals; Biological Science Disciplines; Periodicals; Periodicals; 660.6
• DOI: 10.1002/adbi.201800103
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2366-7478

Abstract

Abstract: Cell fate is largely determined by interactions that occur at the interface between cells and their surrounding microenvironment. For this reason, especially in the field of tissue‐engineering, there is a growing interest in developing techniques that allow evaluating cell–material interaction at the nanoscale, particularly focusing on cell adhesion processes. While for 2D culturing systems a consolidated series of tools already satisfy this need, in 3D environments, more closely recapitulating complex in vivo structures, there is still a lack of procedures furthering the comprehension of cell–material interactions. Here, the use of scanning electron microscopy coupled with a focused ion beam (SEM/FIB) for the characterization of cell interactions with 3D scaffolds obtained by different fabrication techniques is reported for the first time. The results clearly show the capability of the developed approach to preserve and finely resolve scaffold–cell interfaces highlighting details such as plasma membrane arrangement, extracellular matrix architecture and composition, and cellular structures playing a role in cell adhesion to the surface. It is anticipated that the developed approach will be relevant for the design of efficient cell‐instructive platforms in the study of cellular guidance strategies for tissue‐engineering applications as well as for in vitro 3D models. Abstract : The application of ultrathin plasticization combined with FIB/SEM for cells cultured in 3D environments is shown. The developed approach, that allows investigating cell–cell and cell–material interaction, is described comparing different substrates. The established methodology allows for a deeper characterization of cell interactions with a wide range of architectures, therefore proving a powerful tool for a variety of applications.