Inducing blood vessel formation using cubic eggshell with patterned surface

Abstract

We have developed a cubic eggshell made of a cubic polycarbonate frame and 6 PDMS membranes. Development of embryo circulatory system was observed on the transparent side membrane. We hypothesized that blood vessels, which adhered on the side membrane for oxygen absorption, respond specifically to different oxygenated environment. To test this hypothesis, we designed patterned surfaces with selective oxygen permeation areas, and found that blood vessels formed selectively in oxygenated channels, which suggested a novel method for the control of blood vessel formation.