Shape-memory Activated Change in Scaffold Fiber Alignment Directs Stem Cell Morphology

摘要

These results demonstrate a 3D SMP scaffold that can be triggered to change shape and internal scaffold fiber alignment under cytocompatible conditions with viable and attached cells. Quantitative FFT image analyses demonstrate that this active shape-changing scaffold is capable of controlling cell body alignment. SMP scaffolds are anticipated to provide powerful tools in cell biology and tissue engineering. For example, SMP scaffolds could be used to study the mechanobiological response of cells to dynamic changes in fiber alignment as occurs during tissue development, disease, and healing. In addition, SMP scaffolds could be used to address current limitations of tissue engineering scaffolds by employing dynamic programmable shape change to enable desirable functionality, such as shape-change-assisted cell seeding or minimally invasive delivery.