A Comparative Study of the 2D versus 3D Presentation of Matrix Stiffness on Stem Cell Fate

摘要

On 2D substrates, cellular spreading, tractions, and osteogenesis increased with stiffness. This is consistent with observations on a range of materials for anchorage dependent cells. However, when encapsulated in 3D covalently crosslinked networks, hMSCs remained rounded and exhibited low tractions and primarily adipogenesis, regardless of mechanics. When the same networks were designed to support cellular degradation, cells were able to spread into the hydrogel and to exert force on the environment. In this case, cells favoured osteogenic differentiation. Thus, degradation plays an important role in the ability of cells to interact with their surroundings in 3D covalently crosslinked networks.