Team:ETH Zurich/lab/bead

From 2014.igem.org

(Difference between revisions)
(Properties)
Line 15: Line 15:
===Properties===
===Properties===
-
Na<sup>2+</sup> alginate is a viscous liquid, however, upon addition multivalent ions such as Ca<sup>2+</sup> cross-linking of the polysaccharides occurs. Thus gelling of alginate can be achieved by the addition of a Ca<sup>2+</sup>. For encapsulation the cells or macromolecules are added to Na<sup>2+</sup> alginate and subsequently immobilized during the gelling process. The high porosity of the ionically cross-linked polysaccharide lattice allows diffusion of nutrients and other substances into and out of the bead. This property of Ca<sup>2+</sup> alginate allows cultivation of bacteria inside beads and does not prevent communication via small molecules between colonies of different beads. Substances such as phosphate or EDTA are sequestrating Ca<sup>2+</sup> and thus destabilizing the alginate gel. This fact should be considered when choosing the cultivation medium.  
+
Na<sup>2+</sup> alginate is a viscous liquid, however, upon addition multivalent ions such as Ca<sup>2+</sup> cross-linking of the polysaccharides occurs. Thus gelling of alginate can be achieved by the addition of a Ca<sup>2+</sup>. For encapsulation the cells or macromolecules are added to Na<sup>2+</sup> alginate and subsequently immobilized during the gelling process. In fact, the encapsulation process is mild and compatible with most living cells. The high porosity of the ionically cross-linked polysaccharide lattice allows diffusion of nutrients and other substances into and out of the bead. This property of Ca<sup>2+</sup> alginate allows cultivation of bacteria inside beads and does not prevent communication via small molecules between colonies of different beads. Substances such as phosphate or EDTA are sequestrating Ca<sup>2+</sup> and thus destabilizing the alginate gel. This fact should be considered when choosing the cultivation medium.  

Revision as of 20:24, 15 October 2014

iGEM ETH Zurich 2014