Applied Electric Fields Polarize Initiation and Growth of Endothelial Sprouts

Figure 1

Experimental channel design. EFs were applied to HUVEC structures in IBIDI channel slides. A series resistor and resistance substitution box (RSB) were used to monitor and control the electric field in the channels. (a) The open channel design enabled easier exchange of media by simply removing the syringe filters. This design also provided a low-resistance pathway for fluid flow from the anode to the cathode side of the channel. (b) The closed channel design involved directly connecting the low electroendosmosis (EEO) agarose bridges to the IBIDI wells. While cathode-directed electro-osmotic flow (EOF) continues along negatively charged surfaces through the channel, fluid pressure gradients dissipate in the reverse direction through the porous fibrin matrix.

(a)

(b)