Mechanomorphological Guidance of Colloidal Gel Regulates Cell Morphogenesis

Microstructural morphology of the extracellular matrix guides the organization of cells in 3D. However, current biomaterials-based matrices cannot provide distinct spatial cues through their microstructural morphology due to design constraints. To address this, colloidal gels are developed as 3D matrices with distinct microstructure by aggregating ionic polyurethane colloids via electrostatic screening. Due to the defined orientation of interconnected particles, positively charged colloids form extended strands resulting in a dense microstructure whereas negatively charged colloids form compact aggregates with localized large voids. Chondrogenesis of human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and endothelial morphogenesis of human endothelial cells (ECs) are examined in these colloidal gels. MSCs show enhanced chondrogenic response in dense colloidal gel due to their spatial organization achieved by balancing the cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions compared to porous gels where cells are mainly clustered. ECs tend to form relatively elongated cellular networks in dense colloidal gel compared to porous gels. Additionally, the role of matrix stiffness and viscoelasticity in the morphogenesis of MSCs and ECs are analyzed with respect to microstructural morphology. Overall, these results demonstrate that colloidal gels can provide spatial cues through their microstructural morphology and in correlation with matrix mechanics for cell morphogenesis.