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Stiffness of photocrosslinked RGD‐alginate gels regulates adipose progenitor cell behavior
Author(s) -
Chandler Emily M.,
Berglund Caroline M.,
Lee Jason S.,
Polacheck William J.,
Gleghorn Jason P.,
Kirby Brian J.,
Fischbach Claudia
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
biotechnology and bioengineering
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.136
H-Index - 189
eISSN - 1097-0290
pISSN - 0006-3592
DOI - 10.1002/bit.23079
Subject(s) - adipose tissue , extracellular matrix , self healing hydrogels , microbiology and biotechnology , adipogenesis , chemistry , tissue engineering , progenitor cell , regeneration (biology) , biomedical engineering , biophysics , stem cell , biology , biochemistry , medicine , polymer chemistry
Adipose progenitor cells (APCs) are widely investigated for soft tissue reconstruction following tumor resection; however, the long‐term success of current approaches is still limited. In order to develop clinically relevant therapies, a better understanding of the role of cell–microenvironment interactions in adipose tissue regeneration is essential. In particular, the effect of extracellular matrix (ECM) mechanics on the regenerative capability of APCs remains to be clarified. We have used artificial ECMs based on photocrosslinkable RGD‐alginate to investigate the adipogenic and pro‐angiogenic potential of 3T3‐L1 preadipocytes as a function of matrix stiffness. These hydrogels allowed us to decouple matrix stiffness from changes in adhesion peptide density or extracellular Ca 2+ concentration and provided a physiologically relevant 3D culture context. Our findings suggest that increased matrix rigidity promotes APC self‐renewal and angiogenic capacity, whereas, it inhibits adipose differentiation. Collectively, this study advances our understanding of the role of ECM mechanics in adipose tissue formation and vascularization and will aid in the design of efficacious biomaterial scaffolds for adipose tissue engineering applications. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2011; 108:1683–1692. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.