Electrospun Nanofiber Scaffolds for Investigating Cell-matrix Adhesion

Abstract

It has become increasingly clear that the cellular microenvironment, in particular the extracellular matrix, plays an important role in regulating cell function. However, the extracellular matrix is extraordinarily complex in both its makeup and its physical properties. Therefore, there is a need to develop model systems to independently evaluate the effect of specific extracellular matrix features upon cells. Here we describe a model system to evaluate one aspect of the extracellular matrix, its fibrous topology. We describe how to generate bio-mimetic nanofibers by electrospinning, how to grow cells on these fibers, and also some methods for fixing and visualizing cells grown on these fibers. These methods can be used to investigate a wide range of biological questions, including, but not limited to, cell-extracellular matrix adhesion and cell motility on extracellular matrix. © Springer Science+Business Media, LLC 2013.

Department(s)

Chemical and Biochemical Engineering

Keywords and Phrases

Cell adhesion; Electrospinning; Extracellular matrix; Fibers; Topography

International Standard Book Number (ISBN)

978-162703537-8

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

1064-3745

Document Type

Article - Journal

Document Version

Citation

File Type

text

Language(s)

English

Rights

© 2025 Springer, All rights reserved.

Publication Date

01 Jan 2013

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