Microsphere-Embedded Fibroblast Aggregates Showing Prolonged Survival

Fibroblast aggregates in the size range of a few hundred micrometers were prepared from a dissociated monolayer culture and fibroin microspheres under non-adhesion conditions. Transmission electron micrograph revealed the presence of fibroin microspheres entrapped in the aggregates. Microsphere-embedded 3T3 cell aggregates showed an increase in glucose consumption and survival. Fibroin microspheres also prolonged the survival of human dermal fibroblasts cultured under three-dimensional conditions. A nucleoside incorporation assay revealed that only a few cells in the aggregates were proliferating. Accordingly, fibroblast aggregates with fibroin microspheres can be a candidate having extended shelf life for grafting.