Abstract: Described herein are multi-purpose substrates composed of (1) a base coated with a calcium phosphate coating and (2) a fluorophore-labeled collagen adsorbed on the calcium phosphate coating. The multi-purpose substrates are useful in culturing and studying the activity of a variety of cells. The multi-purpose substrates described herein can be used for both solution- and image-based analysis of cultured cells. New methods for producing and using such coated substrates are also disclosed.

Abstract: Surfaces of thermoplastic articles are rendered microporous by contacting the surface with a composition that includes a solvent. The article has a birefringence of 0.0001 or greater and the composition has a solvent strength configured to swell but not dissolve the polymer.

Abstract: A cell culture article has substrate that is predominantly opaque and that provides a three-dimensional (e.g., irregular) surface, but incorporates an optically transparent, substantially regular (e.g., two-dimensional) surface to serve as a microscopic observation and imaging window for the 3D cell culture. In many embodiments, the 3D portion of the substrate occupies greater than 99% of the surface while the 2D portion occupies less than 1% of the surface so as not to substantially disrupt the general 3D culture environment.

Abstract: Described herein are multiply-fluorescently-labeled calcium phosphate protein substrates composed of a base coated with a fluorophore-labeled calcium phosphate coating and further having a fluorescently-labeled protein. The multiply-fluorescently-labeled substrate may be a fluorescently labeled calcium phosphate surface having a fluorescently-labeled collagen. The substrates are useful in culturing and studying the activity of a variety of cells, including bone cells. The substrates described herein can be used for both solution- and image-based analysis of cultured cells. New methods for producing and using such coated substrates are also disclosed.

Abstract: Described herein are substrates composed of a base coated with a fluorophore-labeled calcium phosphate coating. The substrates are useful in culturing and studying the activity of a variety of cells. The substrates described herein can be used for both solution- and image-based analysis of cultured cells. New methods for producing and using such coated substrates are also disclosed.

Abstract: Described herein are multi-purpose substrates composed of (1) a base coated with a calcium phosphate coating and (2) a fluorophore-labeled collagen adsorbed on the calcium phosphate coating. The multi-purpose substrates are useful in culturing and studying the activity of a variety of cells. The multi-purpose substrates described herein can be used for both solution- and image-based analysis of cultured cells. New methods for producing and using such coated substrates are also disclosed.