Mechanotopography‐Driven Design of Dispersible Nanofiber‐Laden Hydrogel as a 3D Cell Culture Platform for Investigating Tissue Fibrosis

• DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202101109
• Publication Date: 2021-09-08T08:24:17Z
• Authors: Suntae Kim; Cholong Choi; Chaenyung Cha
• Keywords: 3D cell culture

Fibrosis is one of the most frequent occurrences during one's lifetime, identified by various physiological changes including, notably, excessive deposition extracellular matrix (ECM). Despite its importance, it still a significant challenge to conduct systematic investigation tissue fibrosis, mainly due lack in vitro 3D model that can accurately portray characteristic features fibrotic events. Herein, hybrid hydrogel system incorporating dispersible nanofibers developed emulate highly collagenous deposits formed within leading altered mechanotopographical properties. Micrometer-length, aqueous-stable consisting crosslinked gelatin network embedded with graphene oxide (GO) or reduced (rGO) are infused into hydrogel, resulting controllable properties while maintaining permeability sufficiently enough for cellular activities. Ultimately, ability induce behavior fibroblasts cultured these mechanotopography-controlled, nanofiber-laden hydrogels investigated detail.