We have successfully developed a novel biomaterial
that generates three-dimensional oxygen gradients in vitro.
Our experimental results have proven that the oxygen
tension can be varied precisely with respect to the distance
from the biomaterial, e.g., 2.5 mmHg per 50 µm increment
along the Z-axis. With proper design of the experimental
chamber as well as a given enzyme concentration, preciselycontrolled
oxygen gradient can thus be achieved. The
concerns regarding glucose depletion based on this method
are nullified according to the 24-hour incubation results.
The cytotoxicity test confirmed the biocompatibility of this
biomaterial, as the cells can tolerate the by-products of the
enzymatic reaction induced by the enzymatic reactions for
at least 24 hours. The elegance of oxygen gradient
manipulation introduced by these designs will drastically
improve control and lower the technological barrier of entry
for hypoxia studies. Further work adapting the principles
presented in this paper will permit a level of modularity and
fidelity to the in viv