(352a) Evaluating the Role of Hypoxia In 3-D Cell Aggregates

Biohybrid materials which combine living tissue with a supportive, synthetic scaffold represent a growing research area. Tissue engineering and cell-based delivery systems are two examples of applications of biohybrids. Within these scaffolds, variation in oxygen levels can impact cell behavior and in turn the function of the biohybrid. We have developed a responsive, fluorescent marker for detection of low oxygen stress (hypoxia) based on a recombinant adenovirus. This marker allows for rapid evaluation of a number of parameters affecting local oxygen concentration including: dissolved oxygen concentration in media, density of tissue within a biohybrid, and location of a cell within a 3-D tissue aggregate. We have studied both encapsulated pancreatic tissue for sustained insulin delivery and 3-D aggregates of adipose-derived stem cells for tissue engineering applications. Our results on the conditions leading to hypoxic stress and its impact on cell behavior in each application will be presented.