Dynamic protein hydrogels with reversibly tunable stiffness regulate human lung fibroblast spreading reversibly

Chem Commun (Camb). 2019 May 8;55(36):5235-5238. doi: 10.1039/c9cc01276a. Epub 2019 Apr 15.

Abstract

We report the engineering of a protein-based dynamic hydrogel that can be reversibly tuned between stiff and soft states via a redox reaction. When cultured on this hydrogel surface, human lung fibroblasts can dynamically and reversibly change their morphology in response to changes in hydrogel stiffness.

MeSH terms

  • Cell Culture Techniques / methods
  • Cell Line
  • Cell Proliferation / drug effects
  • Elastic Modulus / physiology*
  • Extracellular Matrix / metabolism
  • Fibroblasts / cytology*
  • Humans
  • Hydrogels / metabolism*
  • Kinetics
  • Lung / metabolism*
  • Oxidation-Reduction
  • Protein Binding / drug effects
  • Protein Conformation / drug effects
  • Protein Engineering / methods
  • Proteins / metabolism*

Substances

  • Hydrogels
  • Proteins