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Microfabricated Platforms for Mechanically Dynamic Cell Culture
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Mechanically dynamic PDMS substrates to investigate changing cell environments.

Yi-Cheun Yeh1, Elise A Corbin2, Steven R Caliari1

  • 1Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.

Biomaterials
|August 27, 2017
PubMed
Summary

Researchers developed a dynamic polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) material that mimics tissue mechanics. This photoresponsive platform allows controlled stiffening, influencing cell behavior and demonstrating a new tool for extracellular matrix (ECM) research.

Keywords:
DynamicElastomerMechanicsMechanotransductionPhotocrosslinkingViscoelasticity

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Area of Science:

  • Biomaterials Science
  • Cellular Mechanics
  • Tissue Engineering

Background:

  • Extracellular matrix (ECM) mechanics are crucial for cell functions like spreading and differentiation.
  • Existing elastic hydrogels fail to replicate the complex viscoelastic properties of native tissues.
  • Dynamic ECM properties are essential for modeling tissue behaviors such as fibrosis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop a mechanically dynamic and photoresponsive polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) substrate.
  • To create a platform that can mimic the viscoelastic nature of biological tissues.
  • To investigate cellular responses to controlled changes in substrate stiffness.

Main Methods:

  • A two-step crosslinking strategy using platinum-catalyzed crosslinking and thiol-ene click chemistry.
  • Temporally-controlled, photoinitiated reaction to increase PDMS crosslinking and stiffness.
  • Cytocompatible conditions maintained throughout the crosslinking process.

Main Results:

  • PDMS compressive modulus increased up to 10-fold within minutes.
  • Increased substrate stiffness led to enhanced cell spreading for fibroblasts and mesenchymal stem cells.
  • Higher myofibroblast activation observed in cardiac fibroblasts with increasing PDMS stiffness.

Conclusions:

  • PDMS substrate stiffness significantly influences cellular behavior, including spreading and activation.
  • Demonstrated a mechanically dynamic and photoresponsive PDMS platform for modeling ECM behavior.
  • The developed platform offers a novel approach to study cell-matrix interactions in dynamic environments.