| Popis: |
The understanding and control of cell growth in confined microenvironments has application to a variety of fields including cell biosensor development, medical device fabrication, and pathogen control. While the majority of work in these areas has focused on mammalian and bacterial cell growth, this study reports on the growth behavior of fungal cells in three-dimensionally confined PDMS microenvironments of a scale similar to that of individual hyphae. The general responses of hyphae to physical confinement included continued apical extension against barriers, resultant filament bending and increased rates of subapical branching with apparent directionality towards structure openings. Overall, these responses promoted continued extension of hyphae through the confined areas and away from the distal regions of the fungal colony. The induction of branching by apical obstruction provides a means of controlling the growth and branching of fungal hyphae through purposefully designed microstructures. |
