Dynamic phototuning of 3D hydrogel stiffness

TLDR

Extracellular matrix stiffness influences many biological processes, and its temporal changes are implicated in cancer, cardiovascular disease, and wound healing, yet no cell culture systems adequately model these dynamics. We present a 3D hydrogel cell culture system that allows stiffness to be tuned by light, enabling investigation of matrix stiffness effects on cell behavior and fate. The system provides spatial and temporal control of stiffness, is compatible with cell culture, and can be applied transdermally for in vivo studies.

Abstract

Significance Extracellular matrix (ECM) stiffness is an influential factor in many biological processes. Temporal changes in ECM stiffness are observed in cancer, cardiovascular disease, and wound healing, and are likely involved in disease progression. However, no cell culture systems exist to appropriately model temporal changes in ECM stiffness to determine the biological relevance and mechanisms involved. Here, we present a 3D hydrogel cell culture system in which the matrix stiffness can be tuned by light. Our approach offers both spatial and temporal control of stiffness, is compatible with cell culture, and can be used transdermally for in vivo applications. This system is amenable to many applications to investigate the influence of matrix stiffness on cell behavior and fate.