Microengineering fiber anisotropy gradients within a 3D collagen hydrogel

Abstract

The collagen I microarchitecture in the extracellular matrix (ECM) is remodeled in response to mechanical forces and biochemical stimuli, resulting in spatial heterogeneity (gradients)in matrix properties. The motility of various cells in response to these cues’ “taxis” including, stiffness and tethered biomolecules, are extensively studied. However, how cells interpret spatial gradients in collagen fiber alignment (anisotropy) that arise from localized traction forces during morphogenesis or tumor growth is relatively unexplored.