Imaging tools for the analysis of microvessel and angiogenesis development in a tridimensional cell culture system

Abstract

This study presents the design and validation of imaging tools to access and analyses the development of microvessel and angiogenesis inside a tridimensional (3D) cell culture system. Angiogenesis is a key mechanism during normal development as well as in cancer cell growth. Phase contrast, fluorescence, and confocal microscopy were used to determine the cell attachment, tube-like structure formation and other cellular events inside our 3D system.