Substrates with patterned extracellular matrix and subcellular stiffness gradients reveal local biomechanical responses

Adv Mater. 2014 Feb 26;26(8):1242-7. doi: 10.1002/adma.201304607. Epub 2013 Dec 9.

Abstract

A substrate fabrication process is developed to pattern both the extracellular matrix (ECM) and rigidity at sub-cellular spatial resolution. When growing cells on these substrates, it is found that cells respond locally in their cytoskeleton assembly. The presented method allows unique insight into the biological interpretation of mechanical signals, whereas photolithography-based fabrication is amenable to integration with complex microfabricated substructures.

Keywords: BioMEMS; biomechanics; cell control; mechanotransduction; stress fibers.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • 3T3 Cells
  • Acrylamide / chemistry
  • Actins / metabolism
  • Animals
  • Cell Adhesion / physiology
  • Cell Culture Techniques / instrumentation
  • Cell Shape / physiology
  • Culture Media*
  • Cytoskeleton / physiology*
  • Dimethylpolysiloxanes / chemistry
  • Elastic Modulus
  • Elasticity*
  • Epoxy Resins / chemistry
  • Extracellular Matrix / chemistry*
  • Fibroblasts / physiology
  • Heterocyclic Compounds, 4 or More Rings / pharmacology
  • Mechanotransduction, Cellular / physiology*
  • Mice
  • Microtechnology*
  • Myosin Type II / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Myosin Type II / metabolism

Substances

  • Actins
  • Culture Media
  • Dimethylpolysiloxanes
  • Epoxy Resins
  • Heterocyclic Compounds, 4 or More Rings
  • Acrylamide
  • blebbistatin
  • baysilon
  • Myosin Type II