Dynamic cell patterning of photoresponsive hyaluronic acid hydrogels.

Techniques to pattern cells on biocompatible hydrogels allow for the creation of highly controlled cell microenvironments within materials that mimic the physicochemical properties of native tissues. Such technology has the potential to further enhance our knowledge of cell biology and to play a role in the development of novel tissue engineering devices. Light is an ideal stimulus to catalyze pattern formation since it can be controlled spatially as well as temporally.

Comparative analysis of photocaged RGDS peptides for cell patterning.

Photocaged RGDS is a cell nonadhesive tetrapeptide that can be activated with light to become cell-adhesive. Such molecules can find useful applications in controlling cell adhesion for biological study, drug development, and in forming dynamic, adhesion-controlled biomaterials. Herein, we prepared RGDS peptide photocaged either on the Arg-Gly backbone amide nitrogen atom (R[-]GDS) or Asp side chain carboxyl (RG[D]S).

Hydrogel cell patterning incorporating photocaged RGDS peptides.

As we aim towards enhancing our knowledge of complex cell behaviors and developing intricate cell-based devices and improved therapeutics, it becomes imperative that we be able to control and manipulate the spatial localization of cells. Here we have developed a novel strategy to pattern cells using a hyaluronic acid hydrogel material and photocaged RGDS (Arg-Gly-Asp-Ser) peptides. In this report, we discuss the chemical synthesis and photoactive properties of the caged peptides as well as the subsequent binding of these peptides to our hydrogel base.