What is the difference between culturing cells in Biosilk compared to a hydrogel?

There are significant differences in cell adhesion, spreading, and expansion between Biosilk and hydrogels.

Biosilk forms a fibrous network that mimics the dimensions of collagen fibers in real tissue, enabling cells to establish firm cell-matrix contacts (focal adhesion points) and migrate along the fibers to form cell-cell contacts (Sozzi et al. 2022; Johansson et al., 2019). This provides a more tissue-like environment, improving physiological cell morphology and promoting more cell-to-cell interactions compared to a hydrogel.

The network structure of Biosilk also facilitates efficient diffusion of media and oxygen, ensuring there are no necrotic centers (Fiorenzano et al. 2021, Sozzi et al. 2022).

Additionally, Biosilk allows for customized protocols for tissue- or cell-specific applications, particularly when combined with biorelevant Biolaminin isoforms, and supports long-term cultures with minimal handling (over 6 months, Fiorenzano et al. 2021).

.