Discipline: Biological Sciences
Subcategory: Cell and Molecular Biology
Session: 2
Room: Exhibit Hall
Antoinette Ross - Alabama State University
Co-Author(s): Mazharul Haque, Alabama State University, Montgomery, AL; Komal Vig, Alabama State University, Montgomery, AL
Fibroblast cells are used in tissue engineering due to its major role in producing the extracellular matrix of connective tissues. Essentially fibroblast cells create their own environment and maintain structural integrity. The study with the fibroblasts cells have an important role in healing tissue and play a critical role in advancing tissue engineering. Many strategies have been adopted to improve the fibroblast cells viability and good adhesive properties. One of those is hydrogel based scaffolds, which mimics the extracellular matrix and also helps in nutrient diffusion. Monitoring the growth of these cells on scaffolds is essential to observe the viability and structural change. The main purpose of this study is to study the viability of cultured fibroblast cells over the course of 30 days. Initially 2% Alginate solution was prepared in DI under continuous stirring. Then 1% of calcium chloride (CaCl2) is added dropwise to obtain the hydrogel. Scaffolds were UV sterilized and soaked in media until ready for cell seeding. The cell’s viability after growing for different periods was monitored using MTT Assay. Microscopic study was also utilized to observe the cell proliferation. We observed cell proliferation and viability. Viability is to be tested on Alginate based scaffolds, and in wells without scaffolds. Results show that cells appear to grow better on Alginate hydrogels, nearly doubling viability by day 5. Also, microscopy observations confirmed the growth of the cells on the hydrogels compared to those grown only in the well. Alginate hydrogel scaffolding will provide the basis of fibroblast cell growth and tissue engineering to explore the alternative for various diseases.
Funder Acknowledgement(s): This work was supported by NSF-HBCU-UP (HRD-1911660) to Dr. Shree Singh and Komal Vig (PI).
Faculty Advisor: Komal Vig, Komalvig@alasu.edu
Role: Having a passion for tissue engineering advancements, I began by culturing fibroblast cells. After culturing them and observing optimal growth, I prepared 2% alginate hydrogels, soaking them in media and UV sterilizing. Throughout the next 30 days, I observed cell proliferation and Performed MTT Assay to measure cell viability. Also, I used microscopic studies to observe cell growth.