In vitro study of fibroblasts (L929) and osteoblasts (MG-63) within networks differing in fiber density.

Animal cells are typically cultivated in vitro on 2D surfaces therefore in conditions totally differing from their 3D in vivo environments. It is therefore really attractive to generate better in vitro animal cell models where animal cells can adhere and proliferate within a 3D networks. When facing to a third dimension, the design of the scaffolds tailored to support the organization and communication of cells should favor at least cell adhesion, proliferation and differentiation, while promoting nutrient, gas (O2 / CO2) and waste product diffusion.

In order to construct this in vitro model, we have compared the cell reactivity of two model cell lines fibroblaste L 929 and osteoblaste MG-63 within three 3D networks differing in fiber density. This parameter has been altered in order to increase progressively the total surface exposed to the cells, whilst increasing correspondingly the mean pore size and total porosity of the network, whilst keeping the same architecture and surface chemistry of the fibers within the scaffold.