Two-Component Polymer Scaffolds for Controlled Three- Dimensional Cell Culture

摘要

Cell behavior is governed by interactions with the cellular envi-ronment. These interactions include cell-cell as well as cell-extracellular matrix (ECM) contacts and act, in addition to soluble growth factors, as key regulators of cell survival, proliferation, and differentiation. However, not only the molecular composition of the contact sites, but also their spatial distributions impact cell behavior. Realizing cell-culture scaffolds that mirror the complex in vivo arrangement of ECM components is an active area of biomaterials engineering. Corresponding 2D lithographically defined micropatterned structures are widely used and have even become commercially available.'^"9' In addition to patterned ligand distributions, mechanical interactions between cells and their environment also play an important role in regulating cellular functions.'10' Consequently, corresponding flexible substrates were developed that allow measurements of cellular forces in 2D on planar substrates or pillar arrays.'11'12' However, discrepancies between cell behavior in vivo and in artificial 2D environments have become evident.'5'13'14' Therefore, devices that capture more of the structural complexity present in 3D tissues are highly desirable.