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SEM of Primary Rat Osteoblast cells cultured on novel 3D PolyHIPE scaffold coated in Hydroxyapaitite. The image demonstrates that the scaffold is an excellent environment for osteoblast cell growth. 3D scaffolds mimic the normal "in vivo" enviroment for cells to grow on. The cells and the extracellular matrix that they synthesize and secrete in three dimensions is the natural material to which cells are attached. Image courtesy of Dr M. Bokhari

This image demonstrates that it is possible to culture hepatogenic (HepG2) cells onto 3D scaffolds and for them to retain liver specific characteristics. The HepG2s in 3D immediately display key morphological and functional characteristics of native hepatocytes. This is evident in the formation of bile canaliculi. HepG2s cultured on 2D substrates lose many liver specific functions.

Tranmission Electron microscopy of a HepG2 microtissue section. Indicated is the presence of bile canaliculi and tight cell-cell contacts with desmosomes.

Image courtesy of Dr M Bokhari

CLSM image of Primary Rat Osteoblast cells cultured on 2D tissue culture plastic coated with Hydroxyapatite. Cytoskeleton is stained with Rhodamine-Phalloidin and the nucleus with DAPI.
Image courtesy of Dr M Bokhari