One-Step Synthesis of Gelatin-Conjugated Supramolecular Hydrogels for Dynamic Regulation of Adhesion Contact and Morphology of Myoblasts

Hydrogels possessing fine-adjustable and switchable elasticity emulate the mechanical microenvironments of biological cells, which are known to change dynamically during development disease progression. In this study, a supramolecular hydrogel conjugated with gelatin side chains was synthesized. By systematically screening molar fraction host/guest cross-linkers, Young’s modulus substrate fine-adjusted level for myoblasts, E ? 10 kPa. C2C12 myoblasts reproducibly firmly adhered gelatin-conjugated via focal adhesion contacts consisting integrin clusters, whereas only few cells gel without chains. The desired levels by simply adding removing free guest molecules in appropriate concentrations interfering cell viability. Immunofluorescence confocal microscopy images fixed confirmed adaptation adhesions remodeling actin cytoskeletons on hydrogel. Time-lapse phase-contrast demonstrated dynamic response manifested their morphology, an abrupt elasticity. Gelatin-conjugated hydrogels enable direct reversible stimulation one step tedious surface functionalization ligands.