Patterning ECM microstructure to investigate 3D cellular dynamics under multiplexed mechanochemical guidance

Background: Biochemical and biophysical factors jointly regulate the cellular dynamics in many physiological processes. It is therefore imperative to include multiplexed microenvironment cues when employing in vitro cell-based assays model processes. Methods: To meet this need, we have developed a modular platform of 3D cell culture, Modular Control Microenvironment for Cell Migration Culture Assay (MC3A), that incorporates directed chemical mechanical forms chemotaxis contact guidance, respectively. Taking advantage functionalities MC3A, study migration morphology breast cancer cells engineered extracellular matrix (ECM) following serum gradient chemotaxis. Results: We show facilitated by guidance same direction as gradient, demonstrate dimensional-reduction their motility highly elongated ellipsoidal shape. When ECM alignment diverges from chemotactic motion significantly suppressed, are generally more protrusive rounded morphology. Conclusions: These examples MC3A powerful tool engineering complex microenvironments will advance state-of-the-art analysis drug development, regenerative medicine, other research areas bioengineering.