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Microengineered 3D Collagen Gels with Independently Tunable Fiber Anisotropy and Directionality
Author(s) -
Ahmed Adeel,
Joshi Indranil M.,
Larson Stephen,
Mansouri Mehran,
Gholizadeh Shayan,
Allahyari Zahra,
Forouzandeh Farzad,
Borkholder David A.,
Gaborski Thomas R.,
Abhyankar Vinay V.
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
advanced materials technologies
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.184
H-Index - 42
ISSN - 2365-709X
DOI - 10.1002/admt.202001186
Subject(s) - directionality , microfluidics , nanotechnology , anisotropy , fiber , materials science , extracellular matrix , matrix (chemical analysis) , chemistry , optics , composite material , physics , biochemistry , genetics , biology
Cellular processes are linked to the alignment (anisotropy) and orientation (directionality) of collagen fibers (i.e., landscape) in the native extracellular matrix (ECM). Given the vital role that cell‐matrix interactions play in regulating biological functions, several microfluidic methods have successfully established anisotropic 3D collagen gels to develop quantitative relationships between structural cues and cellular responses. However, independently tailoring the fiber anisotropy and fiber directionality within a landscape remains a challenge. Here, a user‐friendly microfluidic platform with a non‐uniform channel geometry is used to control the degree of fiber anisotropy and directionality as a function of extensional strain rate and a defined flow path, respectively. New experimental capabilities, including independent control over the degree of fiber anisotropy and directionality, spatial gradients in anisotropy, and multi‐material interfaces, are demonstrated. A channel peel‐off technique provides direct access to the microengineered collagen landscapes, and the alignment of single MD‐MB‐231 cancer cells and monolayers of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) is shown. Finally, the platform's modular capability is highlighted by integrating an ultrathin porous Parylene (UPP) membrane onto the microengineered collagen landscape as a method to control the degree of cell‐matrix interaction.