I am 3d printing gelatin hydrogel with fibroblasts embedded and I would like to access how long the fibroblasts remain alive in culture/ how long they retain their functionality. I plan to perform a live/dead assay a slice of hydrogel, but ideally I'd like to digest the cells from the hydrogel to perform this analysis to better image. Is there any way to separate these cells from their embedded matrix and still access viability post-print?

I am also open to other suggestions on how to monitor fibroblast activity/ matrix remodeling in hydrogels. I have been imaging daily to determine contractile behavior but I have never done a contraction assay in hydrogels and may need to add a cchemoattractant other than serum.

Thanks for the feedback