Biomedical Chemistry: Research and Methods, 3(1), p. e00048, 2018
DOI: 10.18097/bmcrm00048
The study is devoted to the development of an artificial material based on the ultrahigh-molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) with a porous or cellular 3D structure as a cellular matrix – a framework for growing cell cultures. The development of such matrix provides support for neuronal cell culture under conditions that mimick those that exist in the living body. Typically, in vitro cellular studies are conducted in a 2D format, which limits intercellular interactions, morphology, differentiation, survival, signaling responses, gene expression and proliferation that are found in vivo. Here, we propose to use UHMWPE as a material of the cellular matrix, the ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene. UHMWP is a bioinert substance, wich allows forming a system of open connected pores needed to provide cellular life conditions with supply of nutrients and oxygen as well as the removal of waste products, the possibility of intercellular communication, etc. As a result, the use of UHMWPE as a cellular matrix will allow to study the processes occurring in cells in the 3D environment.