Affordable Oxygen Microscopy-Assisted Biofabrication of Multicellular Spheroids

Multicellular spheroids are important tools for studying tissue and cancer physiology in 3D frequently used engineering as assembling units biofabrication. While the main power of spheroid model is mimicking physical-chemical gradients at microscale, real physiological environment (including dynamics metabolic activity, oxygenation, cell death, proliferation) inside generally ignored. At same time, effects growth medium composition formation method on resulting phenotype well documented. Thus, characterization standardization required to ensure reproducibility transparency research results. The analysis average oxygenation value O2 three dimensions (3D) can be a simple universal way characterization, pointing their overall viability, potential recapitulate vivo microenvironment. visualization easily combined with multiparametric additional parameters (such proliferation, composition) applied continuous monitoring and/or end-point measurements. loading probe performed during stage compatible various protocols generation. protocol includes high-throughput generation introduced red near-infrared emitting ratiometric fluorescent nanosensors description multi-parameter assessment death before after bioprinting. experimental examples show comparative homo- hetero-cellular spheroid-based bioprinted constructs. conventional fluorescence microscope having multiple filters light-emitting diode light source.