Raw data for: Artificial cells eavesdropping on HepG2 cells

Cellular communication between artificial and natural cells are explored
by fabricating hydrogel based artificial cells (ACs) that can eavesdrop on
liver cells with regards to their cytochrome P450 (CYP450) activity. ACs
are capable of eavesdropping on HepG2 cells by releasing D-cysteine and
the D-cysteine release from ACs is quantified by colorimetric and
luminometric detection. The CYP450 activity of HepG2 cells is evaluated by
the production of 2-cyano-6-hydroxybenzothiazole (CHB), which react with
D-cysteine to produce D-luciferin. Thereby, the capability of ACs to
eavesdrop on HepG2 cells is measured by detecting D-luciferin in the
presence of luciferase. The eavesdropping experiment is performed in
different experimental set ups, but is centered around the production of
D-luciferin due to the production of CHB by HepG2 cells and D-cysteine
release from ACs. In addition, bright field microscopy and confocal laser
scanning microscopy was performed to visualize the ACs and aggregates of
ACs and HepG2 cells.  Our findings thereby present means of
designing communication between AC and mammalian cells. Further, the ACs
provides an easily implemented approach to monitor a core hepatic function
when co-cultured with hepatocytes.