05/06/2026
Dr. Zustiak’s lab published “Dual-Stiffness Hydrogel-Based Glioblastoma In Vitro Model to Observe Cell Behavior at Interfaces” in Tissue Engineering, Part C: Methods, the official journal for the Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine International Society (TERMIS). The work was conducted by former BS/MS students Allison Faber (lead author), Shabnam Nejat, and James Baker, all of whom have continued their academic journey in a doctoral program at a major US university! Find a link to the paper here: https://loom.ly/qzZg0i4
The paper focused on developing a dual-stiffness three-dimensional cell culture model comprised of two hydrogels with independently tunable mechanical properties and a defined interface. The setup requires no specialized equipment to prepare and is compatible with a multiwell plate format. Such a format allows for easy handling, including automated high-throughput screening, and is compatible with most imaging equipment designed for cell culture. Although the focus was on glioblastoma tumor spheroids, the model is suitable for other cell types, spheroids, or dissociated cells and for cocultures.
