Hydrogels are widely used biomaterials in cell culture due to their ability to simulate chemical and mechanical properties of cellular microenvironments (1). Previously, we have shown how photopatternable hydrogels can be engineered to form anatomically relevant 3D structures via self-folding (2). Here, we describe polymeric self-folding bilayers composed of two different molecular weights of poly (ethylene glycol) diacrylate to form cylindrical structures that mimic mammary ducts. These hydrogel bilayers are structured using photolithography and are spontaneously curved upon release in aqueous solutions due to differential swelling of the two polymer layers. We discuss photoencapsulating breast cancer cells in these hydrogel layers and argue that this approach provides a versatile new model 3D cell culture system for breast cancer studies. References: 1. M. W. Tibbitt, K. S. Amseth, Hydrogels as extracellular matrix mimics for 3D cell culture, Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Vol. 103, No. 4, July 1, 2009 2. M. Jamal, S. S. Kadam, R. Xiao, F. Jivan, T. M. Onn, R. Fernandes, T. D. Nguyen, D. H. Gracias, Bio-origami hydrogel scaffolds composed of photocrosslinked PEG bilayers, Advanced Healthcare Materials 2, 8, 1142-1150, 2013

Self-folding photopatterned hydrogel scaffolds for 3D cell culture

249th National Meeting (2015)

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.