Abstract: Alginate hydrogel fibers and related materials as well as methods for preparing such materials are provided. An alginate hydrogel fiber includes water in an amount of more than about 92% by weight of the fiber and a cross-linked alginate in an amount of about 0.1% to about 8% by weight of the fiber, wherein the cross-link is a cation. An alginate hydrogel paper includes one or more alginate hydrogel fibers, which form a non-woven matrix. Three-dimensional cellular arrays are also provided, wherein the alginate hydrogel making up the alginate paper is substantially index-matched with a predetermined culture medium. A method for making alginate hydrogel fiber and a method for index-matching alginate hydrogel paper with culture medium are provided. A kit for conducting biochemical, diagnostic, cellular, and/or non-cellular analysis comprises alginate hydrogel paper index-matched to culture medium.

Abstract: Alginate hydrogel fibers and related materials as well as methods for preparing such materials are provided. An alginate hydrogel fiber includes water in an amount of more than about 92% by weight of the fiber and a cross-linked alginate in an amount of about 0.1% to about 8% by weight of the fiber, wherein the cross-link is a cation. An alginate hydrogel paper includes one or more alginate hydrogel fibers, which form a non-woven matrix. Three-dimensional cellular arrays are also provided, wherein the alginate hydrogel making up the alginate paper is substantially index-matched with a predetermined culture medium. A method for making alginate hydrogel fiber and a method for index-matching alginate hydrogel paper with culture medium are provided. A kit for conducting biochemical, diagnostic, cellular, and/or non-cellular analysis comprises alginate hydrogel paper index-matched to culture medium.