Local oxygen gradients play essential roles in
modulating biological systems in both physiologic and
pathologic events. Differentials in oxygen concentration
within tissues direct normal tissue function, healing process,
and stem cell differentiation and organogenesis.
Abnormally low levels of oxygen are implicated in the
ischemic damage seen in stroke and myocardial infarction,
influencing the expression of inflammatory cytokines and
apoptotic proteins in damaged tissues [1, 2]. Observation of
these derangements in metabolism offers critical insight into
these disease processes and may direct their treatment and
management [3, 4]. Recently, engineering oxygen gradients
close to that of physiological tissue for in vitro cell, tissue
and organ experimental models has attracted extensive
attention for various biological experiments.