Rectified cell migration on saw-like micro-elastically patterned hydrogels with asymmetric gradient ratchet teeth.

ABSTRACT: To control cell motility is one of the essential technologies for biomedical engineering. To establish a methodology of the surface design of elastic substrate to control the long-range cell movements, here we report a sophisticated cell culture hydrogel with a micro-elastically patterned surface that allows long-range durotaxis. This hydrogel has a saw-like pattern with asymmetric gradient ratchet teeth, and rectifies random cell movements. Durotaxis only occurs at boundaries in which the gradient strength of elasticity is above a threshold level. Consequently, in gels with unit teeth patterns, durotaxis should only occur at the sides of the teeth in which the gradient strength of elasticity is above this threshold level. Therefore, such gels are expected to support the long-range biased

SUBMITTER: Kidoaki S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3798417 | biostudies-literature | 2013

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature