Fig. 3
Characterization of 3D human epithelial tissue barrier. a Laser Scanning Microscopy (LSM) of 3D co-culture model after 3D rendering: epithelial cells (green), macrophages (red), and dendritic cells (orange). The triple layer co-culture with macrophages on top and dendritic cells at the bottom is shown from two different views. b-d LSM images of F-actin (magenta) and nuclei (cyan) 24 h after exposure to b. NaClaq solution, c Single AuNPs 60 ng/cm2, d Aggregated AuNPs 60 ng/cm2. e Translocation of FITC-Dextran 70 kDa accross the co-culture 24 and 48 h after-exposure to single and aggregated AuNPs (300 ng/cm2). The fluorescence in the baso-lateral compartment was measured and normalized to the blank control (empty insert, without cells). Sing = single; Agg = aggregate. Plain horizontal line represents the mean value and dashed horizontal line the median