Magneto-responsive Cell Culture Substrates that can be Modulated in situ

Abstract

Understanding the interaction between cells and their environment is fundamental for mechanobiology. To mimic the behavior of cells in physiological and pathological conditions, synthetic substrates must have topographical and/or mechanical properties that evolve in time. Dynamic substrates mainly rely on stimuli-responsive materials where an external stimulus induces controlled variations in topography or mechanics. Herein, we describe the development of a dynamic cell culture substrate where mechanical properties are reversibly tuned in situ using magnetically-responsive superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs).