Mechanical stimulation of single cells by reversible host-guest interactions in 3D microscaffolds

• DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abc2648
• Publication Date: 2020-09-24T01:55:35Z
• Authors: Marc Hippler; Kai Weißenbruch; Kai Richler; Enrico D. Lemma; Masaki Nakahata; Benjamin Richter; Christopher Barne...; Yoshinori Takashima; Akira Harada; Eva Blasco; Martin Wegener; Motomu Tanaka; Martin Bastmeyer
• Keywords: Technology; 0303 health sciences; 03 medical and health sciences; ddc:600; info:eu-repo/classification/ddc/600; 600; Research Articles

Many essential cellular processes are regulated by mechanical properties of their microenvironment. Here, we introduce stimuli-responsive composite scaffolds fabricated three-dimensional (3D) laser lithography to simultaneously stretch large numbers single cells in tailored 3D microenvironments. The key material is a photoresist containing cross-links formed noncovalent, directional interactions between β-cyclodextrin (host) and adamantane (guest). This allows reversible actuation under physiological conditions application soluble competitive guests. Cells adhering these build up initial traction forces ~80 nN. After an equibiaxial 25%, remodel actin cytoskeleton, double forces, equilibrate at new dynamic set point within 30 min. When the released, gradually decrease until retrieved. Pharmacological inhibition or knockout nonmuscle myosin 2A prevents adjustments, suggesting that tensional homeostasis strongly depends on functional motors.