Non‐invasive Regulation of Cellular Morphology Using a Photoswitchable Mechanical DNA Polymer

Abstract

The extracellular matrix (ECM) in which the cells reside provides ad ynamic and reversible environment. Spatiotemporal cues are essential when cells are undergoing morphogenesis,r epair and differentiation. Emulation of such an intricate system with reversible presentation of nanoscale cues can help us better understand cellular processes and can allowthe precise manipulation of cell function in vitro.Herein, we formulated ap hotoswitchable DNAm echanical nanostructure containing azobenzene moieties and dynamically regulated the spatial distance between adhesion peptides using ap hotoswitchable DNAp olymer with photoirradiation. We found that the DNAp olymer reversibly forms two different structures,ar elaxed linear and shrunken compact form, observed by AFM. Using the mechanical properties of this DNAp olymer,U Va nd visible light irradiation induced as ignificant morphology change of the cells between ar ound shape and spindle shape,thus providing atool to decipher the language of the ECM better.