Guiding cell adhesion and motility by modulating cross-linking and topographic properties of microgel arrays

Abstract

Biomaterial-driven modulation of cell adhesion and migration is a challenging aspect of tissue engineering. Here, we investigated the impact of surface-bound microgel arrays with variable geometry and adjustable cross-linking properties on cell adhesion and migration. We show that cell migration is inversely correlated with microgel array spacing, whereas directionality increases as array spacing increases. Focal adhesion dynamics is also modulated by microgel topography resulting in less dynamic focal adhesions on surface-bound microgels. Microgels also modulate the motility and adhesion of Sertoli cells used as a model for cell migration and adhesion. Both focal adhesion dynamics and speed are reduced on microgels. Interestingly, Gas2L1, a component of the cytoskeleton that mediates the interaction between microtubules and microfilaments, is dispensable for the regulation of cell adhesion and migration on microgels. Finally, increasing microgel cross-linking causes a clear reduction of focal adhesion turnover in Sertoli cells. These findings not only show that spacing and rigidity of surface-grafted microgels arrays can be effectively used to modulate cell adhesion and motility of diverse cellular systems, but they also form the basis for future developments in the fields of medicine and tissue engineering.

ITIH5 as a multifaceted player in pancreatic cancer suppression, impairing tyrosine kinase signaling, cell adhesion and migration

“…It has been demonstrated in several studies that cell adhesion plays a crucial role in cell motility [ 45 , 46 , 50 , 56 , 57 , 58 , 59 , 60 ]. Since the expression of ITIH5 in both PANC‐1 and PSN‐1 cells causes a clear impairment of their motility in the wound healing assay, we reasoned that ITIH5 may exert its action on cell motility via the regulation of cell adhesion.…”

4D Printing of Extrudable and Degradable Poly(Ethylene Glycol) Microgel Scaffolds for Multidimensional Cell Culture

“…Microgels can be engineered to perform a variety of functions, including as biosensors or drug delivery vehicles. [ 51 ] In the context of more sophisticated multimaterial printing, [ 52 ] these bioinks could enable simultaneous controlled release of bioactive components and sensing of biological processes while manipulating the soluble and ECM‐bound, [ 49,53 ] mechanical, [ 54 ] topographical, [ 55 ] and geometric [ 56 ] cues necessary for the proper maturation of complex multicellular environments. Combinations of these tools with genetically engineered stem cells could approach the level of complexity required for true functional mimicry of developmental and homeostatic programming and fully realized reciprocal interactions between synthetic matrix and cellular components.…”

Investigation of morphology and volume phase transition of supramacromolecular microgels by NMR spectroscopy and quartz crystal microbalance

“…The pVCL/TA microgels dispersions were undiluted and the pNIPAm/TA microgel dispersions were diluted in water to obtain a final 1.5 mg/mL concentration before the coating process. To ensure the stability of the coating upon the shear stress applied by the water flow, an essential requirement for the proper interpretation of the frequency and dissipation monitoring, the microgel coatings have been treated with Argon plasma, inducing the formation of an additional crosslinking degree 84 . For each QCM‐D measurement, the microgel‐coated sensors were placed in a standard QSense® flow module at a constant temperature of 15°C.…”

“…To ensure the stability of the coating upon the shear stress applied by the water flow, an essential requirement for the proper interpretation of the frequency and dissipation monitoring, the microgel coatings have been treated with Argon plasma, inducing the formation of an additional crosslinking degree. 84 For each QCM-D measurement, the microgel-coated sensors were placed in a standard QSense ® flow module at a constant temperature of 15 C. During the evaluation of the temperature-responsiveness, the initial temperature was set at 15 C. After an initial equilibration of the system in (LC-MS)-grade water, the measurement was restarted. This was done to obtain a flat baseline.…”