One of the benefits of AIM chips is the ability to
seed cells within a 3D hydrogel. This may sound challenging at first but it can
be as simple as hydrogel filling once you learn how.
1. Always take the osmolarity
of the final hydrogel solution into consideration when preparing a hydrogel
solution with cells. The osmolarity of the hydrogel
solution should be identical to 1X PBS or the cell culture medium for the
cells.
2. To save time, you can derive the hydrogel recipe with cells based on the recipe without cells (if you had worked it out earlier).
3. Some hydrogels may require components such as NaOH, which can affect cell viability. Such hydrogels
should be mixed homogenously before adding the cell suspension at the end.
4. Pipette the hydrogel solution (with cells in it) with
extra care to avoid generating bubbles. Bubble rupture may damage the cells.
5. Exercise the tips and tricks for filling gel as
discussed in this thread.
Do you have your own tips and tricks for seeding cells
in 3D gel channels? Share them with the user community!
-Sei Hien-
Applications Development Scientist