cEll culturE 15
researchers are able to manage the flexibility
of the three-dimensional structural design,
and mold the architecture to meet their
individual requirements.
HydroMatrix promotes cell growth and
migration and has been shown to support
the proliferation of many cell types, including
neural stem cells, neurons, glia, astrocytes,
fibrblasts, and keratinocytes. Fig. 2. HaCaT cells (derived from human Fig. 3. MRC-5 cells (derived from human
Another popular avenue of culturing adult skin keratinocytes) were grown for fetal lung fibroblasts) were grown for
numerous cell types is by the use of 24 hours after plating on tissue culture 24 hours after plating on tissue culture
extracellular matrix (ECM) gel. plastic (A) and on 1 per cent MaxGel plastic (A) and on 1 per cent MaxGel
The majority of ECM gels offered on the human ECM (B), which demonstrate that human ECM (B). As seen with other
market, such as Matrigel, are of murine HaCaT cells proliferate better on MaxGel cells, MRC-5 cells propagate better on
origin. Sigma is pleased to introduce the first human ECM (B). MaxGel human ECM (B).
human ECM gel, MaxGel.
Benefits of using human ECM over the mouse
M
axGel provides a rich three-dimensional alternative are especially important for cell-based
environment to promote cellular therapeutic research since human ECM does not carry
proliferation. It contains extracellular the same risk of rejection, an allergic reaction, and/or a
matrix components including collagens, transition of animal adventitious agents to human cell/
laminin, fibronectin, tenascin, elastin, a number of tissue cultures in vitro.
proteoglycans and glycosaminoglycans. Sigma understands that there are various constraints
MaxGel promotes cell growth and migration and has and challenges of switching to three-dimensional culturing
been shown to support the proliferation of many cells, such as issues of convenience, trained technicians, time and
including neural stem cells, neurons, glia, astrocytes, budget limitations, however the benefits and superiority of
fibroblasts, hepatocytes and keratinocytes. this technique is so enormous, that it is truly essential and
MaxGel contains reduced amounts of growth factors will make future breakthroughs happen more rapidly. u
since it is a derived basement membrane extract cultured
in vitro which supports lot-to-lot consistency. Other Enter 15 or ✔ at www.scientistlive.com/elab
ECM products are solubilized basement membrane
preparations extracted from mouse tumor and include Simon Nikolay is with Sigma-Aldrich Corporation, Where.
high quantities of endogenous growth factors. www.sigma-aldrich.com
MicroMachining for rapid hEalthcarE product dEvElopMEnt
c
urrent techniques for production of microfluidics and other applications of
structures at the micron level can be nanotechnology in the healthcare sector.
labour-intensive, multi-stepped approaches this equipment is the latest asset in an
and not necessarily suitable for truly rapid investment of over £50m in facilities
prototyping. and equipment that backs Bnc’s product
Bio nano consulting (Bnc), the development capabilities.
specialist bionanotechnology product Established in 2007, Bnc applies
development consultancy, has expanded nanotechnology tools to address real-world
its capabilities for advanced prototyping in problems. for example Bnc developed
this field with the commissioning of a laser a novel, ultra-sensitive nanomechanical
micro-machining system for fabricating probes to provide new insight into how
features down to 5microns. antibiotics work in order to combat
the new system can be fitted with a With an advanced cnc controller, antibiotic resistance. providing a seamless
wide range of high performance dpSS products can be manufactured straight concept-to-market route, Bnc facilitates
lasers to ensure that the laser matches the from a cad model to machining the part, all the development and commercialisation of
process required. within a single interface. new biomedical and nanotechnology-based
With the correct choice of laser almost housed within Bnc’s imperial college products in the uK and Europe. u
any solid material can be machined. it london laboratories, the oxford lasers
can drill, cut and mill materials including E-series laser micro-machining system
Enter 15a or ✔ at www.scientistlive.com/elab
silicon, glass, plastic, ceramic and metal facilitates rapid prototype fabrication for Bio Nano Consulting is based London, UK.
with micron-level accuracy. commercial organisations developing www. bio-nano-consulting.com
www.scientistlive.com
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