Document type
ArticleVersion
Published versionPublication date
All rights reserved
Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/2445/152003
Generation of 3D collagen-based hydrogels to analyze axonal growth and behavior during nervous system development
Journal Title
Director/Tutor
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Related resource
Abstract
This protocol uses natural type I collagen to generate three-dimensional (3-D) hydrogel for monitoring and analyzing the axonal growth. The protocol is centered on culturing small pieces of embryonic or early postnatal rodent brains inside a 3-D hydrogel formed by the rat tail tendon-derived type I collagen with specific porosity. Tissue pieces are cultured inside the hydrogel and confronted to specific brain fragments or genetically-modified cell aggregates to produce and secrete molecules suitable for creating a gradient inside the porous matrix. The steps of this protocol are simple and reproducible but include critical steps to be considered carefully during its development. Moreover, the behavior of growing axons can be monitored and analyzed directly using a phase-contrast microscope or mono/multiphoton fluorescence microscope after fixation by immunocytochemical methods.
Subject
Citation
Citation
GIL FERNÁNDEZ, Vanessa and RÍO FERNÁNDEZ, José Antonio del. Generation of 3D collagen-based hydrogels to analyze axonal growth and behavior during nervous system development. JoVE. Journal of Visualized Experiments. 2019. Vol. 148, num. e59481. ISSN 1940-087X. [consulted: 13 of June of 2026]. Available at: https://hdl.handle.net/2445/152003