Biointerfaces Between Cells and Substrates in Three Dimensions - Biointerfaces: Where Material Meets Biology - page 140

Reinnervate). 17 A simplified fabrication protocol for this type of scaffold has
been reported previously 13,18 and is summarised below:

1. An oil phase consisting of the monomers styrene, divinylbenzene and
2-ethylhexyl acrylate, and the surfactant Span80 t is placed in a 250 mL
three-necked round-bottom flask and stirred continually at 350 rpm
using a PTFE paddle connected to an overhead stirrer.
2. An aqueous phase consisting of deionised water and 1 wt% potassium
persulfate is heated to 85 1C and then transferred into a dropping
funnel. This solution is then slowly added to the above organic phase
over a period of 2 min with constant stirring.
3. The mixture (which should be a HIPE) is then transferred into a 50 mL
falcon tube and placed in a 60 1C oven for 24 h to thermally polymerise.
4. The resulting polyHIPE is then washed in acetone for 24 h using
soxhlet recirculation.

d n 3 r 4 n g | 3

The structure of the Alvetex s scaffold can accommodate a range of cell
types and has already been shown to significantly enhance cell function
compared to conventional 2D models. 19-21 The material is chemically stable
and mechanically strong and can support large cell numbers as well as
survive most laboratory processing techniques. It can also be engineered
into thin 200 mm membranes that fit conveniently into the bottom of tissue
culture plasticware and well

inserts, offering the potential for high-

throughput applications (Figure 6.5).

.

Structure of the Alvetex s scaffold by scanning electron microscopy. The
material is supplied as thin 200 mmmembranes that fit conveniently into
the bottom of traditional 2D welled plates.
Reinnervate is acknowledged for supplying the image and allowing
reprint in this chapter. Scale bar ¼ 100 mm.

Figure 6.5