Biocompatibility of Hydrogels for Glomerular 3D Co-Culture: A Comparative Analysis

Eichermüller J, Faber J, Ng X, Mussoni C, Bauer J, Röder J, Cianciosi A, Stahlhut P, Jungst T, Groll J, Steiner D, Scheibel T, Friedrich O, Ahmad T, Boccaccini AR, Budday S, Müller-Deile J (2026)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2026

Journal

Macromolecular Bioscience Wiley-VCH Verlag

Book Volume: 26

Article Number: e00460

Journal Issue: 2

DOI: 10.1002/mabi.202500460

Abstract

Conventional 2D mono-cultures fall short in replicating the complex microenvironment of glomerular tissue, where cell–cell and cell–matrix interactions are critical. To better mimic in vivo conditions, the development of robust 3D co-culture systems is essential. Here, we systematically evaluate five hydrogel matrices—Matrigel, alginate dialdehyde-gelatin (ADA-GEL), fibrin, recombinantly produced spider silk protein eADF4(C16)-RGD, and allyl-modified gelatin (GelAGE)—for their suitability in supporting glomerular 3D co-culture. The hydrogels are assessed for handling properties, cell viability, and the support of physiological cell behavior using bright-field microscopy, live/dead assays, immunofluorescence, and multiphoton imaging. Among the tested hydrogels, GelAGE and eADF4(C16)-RGD demonstrate superior biocompatibility and structural support. Due to its ease of use and comparable biological performance, GelAGE and spider silk protein eADF(C16)-RGD are selected for further mechanical characterization, revealing favorable viscoelastic properties. These findings position both hydrogels as a promising candidate for engineering physiologically relevant 3D glomerular models and advancing kidney tissue research.

Authors with CRIS profile

Julia Eichermüller Department of Medicine 4 – Nephrology and Hypertension Jessica Faber Lehrstuhl für Kontinuumsmechanik (Schwerpunkt Biomechanik) Julian Bauer Lehrstuhl für Medizinische Biotechnologie (MBT) Oliver Friedrich Lehrstuhl für Medizinische Biotechnologie (MBT) Aldo Boccaccini Lehrstuhl für Werkstoffwissenschaften (Biomaterialien) Silvia Budday Lehrstuhl für Kontinuumsmechanik (Schwerpunkt Biomechanik) Janina Müller-Deile Department of Medicine 4 – Nephrology and Hypertension

Involved external institutions

Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg DE Germany (DE) Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen DE Germany (DE) Universität Bayreuth DE Germany (DE)

How to cite

APA:

Eichermüller, J., Faber, J., Ng, X., Mussoni, C., Bauer, J., Röder, J.,... Müller-Deile, J. (2026). Biocompatibility of Hydrogels for Glomerular 3D Co-Culture: A Comparative Analysis. Macromolecular Bioscience, 26(2). https://doi.org/10.1002/mabi.202500460

MLA:

Eichermüller, Julia, et al. "Biocompatibility of Hydrogels for Glomerular 3D Co-Culture: A Comparative Analysis." Macromolecular Bioscience 26.2 (2026).

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