Chick embryo cultured in a cubic eggshell as a promising animal model

Abstract

We have proposed a novel cubic (artificial) eggshell containing a chick embryo. Since the posture of the eggshell can be changed freely and the manipulation of the chick embryo is possible, the developed cubic eggshell with a chick embryo is a good model for microsurgery training. In this study, we further demonstrate the promising use of the eggshell. First, the viability of the chick embryo in the cubic eggshell is confirmed through basic experiments. Second, we show that the development of embryo tissues and circulatory system can be easily observed. Third, blood vessel formation can be spatially controlled by using patterned side membranes, which have localized oxygen-permeable properties. Together with the previous results about the manipulation of the embryo, these results suggest that chick embryos cultured in the developed cubic eggshell can be used as a promising animal model for biomedical research such as angiogenesis and drug delivery testing.