Self-assembly of mesoscale collagen architectures and applications in 3D cell migration.

ABSTRACT: 3D in vitro tumor models have recently been investigated as they can recapitulate key features in the tumor microenvironment. Reconstruction of a biomimetic scaffold is critical in these models. However, most current methods focus on modulating local properties, e.g. micro- and nano-scaled topographies, without capturing the global millimeter or intermediate mesoscale features. Here we introduced a method for modulating the collagen I-based extracellular matrix structure by disruption of fibrillogenesis and the gelation process through mechanical agitation. With this method, we generated collagen scaffolds that are thickened and wavy at a larger scale while featuring global softness. Thickened collagen patches were interconnected with loose collagen networks, highly resembling collagen arc

SUBMITTER: Liu C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9805527 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature