Abstract
To artificially construct a three-dimensional cell assembly, we investigated the availability of long-duration microdroplets that emerged near a critical point in an aqueous two-phase system (ATPS) with the hydrophilic binary polymers, polyethylene glycol (PEG), and dextran (DEX), as host containers. We found that erythrocytes (horse red blood cells; RBCs) and NAMRU mouse mammary gland epithelial cells (NMuMG cells) were completely and spontaneously entrapped inside DEX-rich microdroplets. RBCs and NMuMG cells were located in the interior and at the periphery of the droplets at PEG/DEX = 5%:5%. In contrast, the cells exhibited opposite localizations at PEG/DEX = 10%:5%, where, interestingly, NMuMG cells apparently assembled to achieve cell adhesion. We simply interpreted such specific localizations by considering the alternative responses of these cells to the properties of the PEG/DEX interfaces with different gradients in polymer concentrations.
Highlights
Living organisms exhibit the self-organization of cells and intracellular organelles in a self-consistent manner
We used two different kinds of cells, erythrocytes and NAMRU mouse mammary gland epithelial cells (NMuMG cells) as models, and investigated how these cells are localized when entrapped inside aqueous two-phase system (ATPS) microdroplets
We used two kinds of mammal cells: red blood cells (RBCs) and NMuMG cells, which are a type of epithelial cell
Summary
Living organisms exhibit the self-organization of cells and intracellular organelles in a self-consistent manner. Considering the unique characteristics to entrap certain biomolecules, it would be expected that in even simple systems, living cells can find preferred locations in microdroplets and their localization can change with a change in the composition of the ATPS.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
