Thermally Induced Matrix Tension in Temperature-Sensitive Elastin-Like Hydrogels Influences Cellular Behavior

Abstract

Mechanical effects on cells play a crucial role in cellular behavior and function, influencing processes such as proliferation, differentiation, and migration. Elastin-like recombinamers (ELRs) are a class of biomaterials known for their unique thermosensitivity, exhibiting reversible phase transitions in response to temperature changes. This study employs biofunctional temperature-sensitive ELRs to create hydrogels that contract upon heating at physiological temperature, generating intrinsic tension within the hydrogel matrix when the hydrogel is mechanically prevented from shrinking. This innovative approach allows for the decoupling of stress and strain and their influence on cell behavior, providing a unique platform to examine cellular responses to anisotropic tensioned matrices that remain undeformed despite the thermally-driven emerging stress. The results demonstrate that cells on the tensioned hydrogels exhibit oriented growth, aligning with the lines of tension present in the hydrogel. Additionally, the tension within the matrix seems to favor cellular proliferation. These findings, particularly the observation that cells react differently on stressed and unstressed samples despite not being deformed themselves, reveal novel insights into cellular mechanobiology. This enhances the understanding of mechanical interactions between cells and the extracellular matrix. This knowledge holds significant potential for advancements in tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, and the development of biomaterial-based scaffolds.