Plasticity of 3D Hydrogels Predicts Cell Biological Behavior.

ABSTRACT: Under 3D culture conditions, cells tend to spread, migrate, and proliferate better in more viscoelastic and plastic hydrogels. Here, we present evidence that the improved cell behavior is facilitated by the lower steric hindrance of a more viscoelastic and plastic matrix with weaker intermolecular bonds. To determine intermolecular bond stability, we slowly insert semispherical tipped needles (100-700 μm diameter) into alginate dialdehyde-gelatin hydrogels and measure stiffness, yield strength, plasticity, and the force at which the surface ruptures (puncture force). To tune these material properties without affecting matrix stiffness, we precross-link the hydrogels with CaCl₂ droplets prior to mixing in NIH/3T3 fibroblasts and final cross-linking with CaCl₂. Precross

SUBMITTER: Malandrino A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11632650 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature