AI Article Synopsis
- The study demonstrates a method to control the properties of hydrogels using light, aiming to preserve the bioactivity of proteins while allowing for 3D cell growth.
- This technique involves micropatterning hydrogels with specific extracellular matrix proteins and growth factors to influence the movement of human mesenchymal stem cells.
- By incorporating a photosensitive peptide substrate into the hydrogel, researchers can achieve precise control over cell interactions and signaling within the 3D environment.
Article Abstract
The physicochemical properties of hydrogels can be manipulated in both space and time through the controlled application of a light beam. However, methods for hydrogel photopatterning either fail to maintain the bioactivity of fragile proteins and are thus limited to short peptides, or have been used in hydrogels that often do not support three-dimensional (3D) cell growth. Here, we show that the 3D invasion of primary human mesenchymal stem cells can be spatiotemporally controlled by micropatterning the hydrogel with desired extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins and growth factors. A peptide substrate of activated transglutaminase factor XIII (FXIIIa)--a key ECM crosslinking enzyme--is rendered photosensitive by masking its active site with a photolabile cage group. Covalent incorporation of the caged FXIIIa substrate into poly(ethylene glycol) hydrogels and subsequent laser-scanning lithography affords highly localized biomolecule tethering. This approach for the 3D manipulation of cells within gels should open up avenues for the study and manipulation of cell signalling.
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| http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/nmat3766 | DOI Listing |
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