Programmable and contractile materials through cell encapsulation in fibrous hydrogel assemblies.

ABSTRACT: The natural extracellular matrix (ECM) within tissues is physically contracted and remodeled by cells, allowing the collective shaping of functional tissue architectures. Synthetic materials that facilitate self-assembly similar to natural ECM are needed for cell culture, tissue engineering, and in vitro models of development and disease. To address this need, we develop fibrous hydrogel assemblies that are stabilized with photocrosslinking and display fiber density–dependent strain-responsive properties (strain stiffening and alignment). Encapsulated mesenchymal stromal cells locally contract low fiber density assemblies, resulting in macroscopic volumetric changes with increased cell densities and moduli. Because of properties such as shear-thinning and self-healing, assemblies can be pr

SUBMITTER: Davidson MD 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8580309 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature