Contains: 1 image
Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)
You can use this work for any purpose, including commercial uses, without restriction under copyright law. You should also provide attribution to the original work, source and licence. Read more about this licence.
Credit
Human stem cell embedded in a 3D matrix, Cryo SEM. Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0). Source: Wellcome Collection.
False-coloured cryogenic scanning electron micrograph (Cryo-SEM) of a single human stem cell (centre of image) embedded within a porous hydrogel matrix. The structure and properties of the hydrogel matrix were designed to mimic those of the cell's native environment in the bone marrow. Imaging stem cells in a 3D environment provide valuable insight into the bidirectional physical interactions between a stem cell and its 3D niche. The hydrogel is composed of thiolated hyaluronic acid cross-linked with poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate. The diameter of the cell is approximately 15 micrometres. Scanning electron micrograph 2015