Summary
Published in Biology Open (2016), this peer-reviewed study used 3D Petri Dish® micro-molds to form scaffold-free 3D microtissues. Full citation: Kosheleva, N. V., et al. Laser-based technique for controlled damage of mesenchymal cell spheroids: a first step in studying reparationin vitro
Laser-based technique for controlled damage of mesenchymal cell spheroids: a first step in studying reparationin vitro
Research Overview
To study repair and regeneration in vitro, this work adapted laser microsurgery to cell spheroids. Nanosecond pulses (355 nm, 100 Hz, 2 ns duration) were used to microdissect the outer and inner zones of human bone marrow multipotent mesenchymal stromal cell spheroids, with pulse energy optimized to 7–9 µJ so that dissection was effective while spheroid viability was preserved.
After microdissection the wound edges opened to an angular opening greater than 180°, the original structure was destroyed in the wound area, and surviving cells changed to a rounded shape — creating a simple, reproducible wound-healing model inside a 3D microtissue.
Key Discoveries
- Nanosecond 355 nm laser pulses at 7-9 µJ microdissected spheroids while preserving viability
- Wound edges opened beyond 180°, giving a measurable, reproducible injury geometry
- Establishes a controlled in vitro model of repair and regeneration in 3D tissue
