Gao W.J., Dukhande V.V., Jandhyam S., Wang Y.-H., Gu H.-Y., Lai J.C.K., Lai M.B., Lai J.C.K., Lai M.B., Leung S.W.
Idaho State University, US
Keywords: artificial organ, cell signaling, nanotoxicity, non-contact culture model, tissue engineering
There is general agreement that in vitro cell model systems offer many advantages over in vivo model systems in elucidation of cell signaling and other mechanisms underlying a toxicant’s effect. While the 3-D cell models simulate the in vivo cellular architecture in tissues/organs, the provision of an adequate extracellular scaffold similar to native extracellular matrix to support cellular growth in 3-D still poses some challenges. Moreover, many 3-D cell models only focus on one cell type. Consequently, there is need for additional and alternative approaches to design cellular models that simulate cell-cell interaction with and without physical contact. We design a “non-contact culture model” whereby two cell types are separated by a nanopore membrane. We use this approach to investigate cell-cell communication and interaction without physical contact by growing a monolayer of SK-N-SH neuroblastoma cells on the bottom of 12- or 24-well plates with hanging inserts with polyethylene terpthalate nanopore membrane onto which is seeded a monolayer of U87 astrocytoma cells. In this model the U87 cells appear to exert some protective effect on SK-N-SH cells against oxidative stress. We use this model to further characterize the cytotoxicity of metallic oxide nanoparticles.
Journal: TechConnect Briefs
Volume: 2, Nanotechnology 2008: Life Sciences, Medicine & Bio Materials – Technical Proceedings of the 2008 NSTI Nanotechnology Conference and Trade Show, Volume 2
Published: June 1, 2008
Pages: 172 - 175
Industry sectors: Advanced Materials & Manufacturing | Personal & Home Care, Food & Agriculture
Topic: Environmental Health & Safety of Nanomaterials
ISBN: 978-1-4200-8504-4