Development of Novel ECM which has Stiffness Difference based on Hydrogel Beads

Abstract

For tissue engineering, it is important to understand the relationship between cells' behavior and the mechanical properties of extracellular matrix (ECM). We aim to develop a novel ECM taking the advantage of micro-sized polyacrylamide gel beads. The advantages of our ECM are creation of any elasticity at any position. Elasticity measurement experimental results by atomic force microscope (AFM) show that there is a significant difference in Young modulus between the place where gel beads exist and the place where gel beads do not exist. In addition, C2C12 cell culture experiments show that cell behavior changes with and without gel beads.