Conclusions
Presence of FBS in biostructure matrices elicited higher OCR in T-47D cells. Formulation of biostructures must consider differential diffusion of macromolecular substances.
Methods
Pericellular oxygen concentrations were measured using a photochemical oxygen sensor inserted into bioconstructs made from different formulations of alginate, containing T-47D cells. Cell count was corrected for viability as determined by cell uptake and exclusion of standard live/dead fluorophores, in sections of freshly prepared biostructures. Based on concentration data, OCR of the embedded cells was calculated according to a simple algorithm.
Results
OCR was found to vary significantly between the different formulations investigated. Inclusion of high concentrations of FBS in the biostructure matrices elicited significantly higher OCRs, in guluronate-rich gels similar to those previously found in monolayer culture. Guluronate-rich gels also generally permitted highest OCR. Respiration also had a falling tendency with increasing alginate concentration and elastic modulus. Conclusions: Presence of FBS in biostructure matrices elicited higher OCR in T-47D cells. Formulation of biostructures must consider differential diffusion of macromolecular substances.