Collagen Gel Contraction
Collagen Gel Contraction - Related Videos
10:24
Preparation of 3D Collagen Gels and Microchannels for the Study of 3D Interactions In Vivo
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Cited by 16 •
2016
Collagen is a core component of the ECM, and provides essential cues for several cellular processes ranging from migration to differentiation and proliferation. Provided here is a protocol for embedding cells within 3D collagen hydrogels, and a more advanced technique for generating randomized or aligned collagen matrices using PDMS microchannels.
09:28
Fabrication of Micro-tissues using Modules of Collagen Gel Containing Cells
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Cited by 9 •
2010
Creation of micro-tissues using cylindrical collagen gels, called modules, that contain embedded cells and which surface is coated with endothelial cells.
09:23
Engineering 3D Cellularized Collagen Gels for Vascular Tissue Regeneration
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Cited by 40 •
2015
In this work, we present a technique for the rapid fabrication of living vascular tissues by direct culturing of collagen, smooth muscle cells and endothelial cells. In addition, a new protocol for the mechanical characterization of engineered vascular tissues is described.
11:08
Dissection and Culture of Chick Statoacoustic Ganglion and Spinal Cord Explants in Collagen Gels for Neurite Outgrowth Assays
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Cited by 9 •
2011
We demonstrate how to dissect and culture chick E4 statoacoustic ganglion and E6 spinal cord explants. Explants are cultured under serum-free conditions in 3D collagen gels for 24 hours. Neurite responsiveness is tested with growth factor-supplemented medium and with protein-coated beads.
07:25
Collagen Hydrogels
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2023
Collagen is another widely used biomaterial that has found popularity in commercial applications, such as photography. Collagen has more recently been used in tissue engineering applications, by creating hydrogels that provide structure to engineered tissue. This video introduces collagen as a biomaterial, demonstrates how it is harvested from porcine skin, and shows how the material is used to create a hydrogel for tissue engineering applications. Finally, several applications of the material...
FAQs
The key mechanical link is cell attachment to collagen fibers followed by actomyosin activity, the force-producing interaction between actin and myosin inside the cell. These forces pull attached fibers inward and compact the surrounding lattice. This makes the assay useful for examining how cellular contractility contributes to tissue remodeling rather than merely observing cell movement.
Cell type, cell density, matrix composition, and culture conditions all affect the measured response. Different cells can exert different levels of force, while changes in the collagen environment or the number of embedded cells can alter how efficiently that force is transmitted through the lattice. Consequently, both the final amount of compaction and its timing may vary.
Tracking gel area or volume provides a way to quantify matrix compaction over time. The rate indicates how quickly cells remodel the lattice, whereas the extent reflects the overall reduction achieved during the observation period. Using these measurements connects visible changes in the collagen construct with the contractile activity and cell-matrix interactions being investigated.
A hydrated collagen lattice is prepared with cells embedded within it and maintained under defined culture conditions. Investigators then monitor the construct over time and record changes in its area or volume. Comparing these measurements across samples allows them to evaluate how cell type, density, matrix composition, or culture conditions influence the remodeling response.
This assay is suited to studies of wound healing, fibrosis, and connective-tissue remodeling because it models how cells reorganize and compact a collagen matrix. It can also test the effects of drugs or genetic changes by comparing contraction between experimental and reference conditions. The resulting measurements provide a readout of altered cell-matrix interaction and force generation.
A change in the rate or extent of gel compaction indicates that the tested cell-matrix system behaves differently under the chosen conditions. In biological studies, that difference can help assess how cells contribute to remodeling during wound healing or fibrosis, or how a drug or genetic change modifies the contractile response. Interpretation should consider cell type, density, matrix, and culture conditions.