Patterned photodegradable hydrogels as switchable cell coatings

摘要

The ability to precisely direct and control cell attachment on a biomaterial surface is key towards creating hierachy and organisation in tissue and organs. Here, clickable photodegradable PEG hydrogels demonstrated UV activated degradation and patterning to micron precision. Patterned coatings could be used to selectively mask underlying substrates from attachment by cultured fibroblasts cells. Degradation of gels by additional UV can re-enable cell attachment on the underlying backing material.