Complex cellular systems and diseases often require the timed delivery of multiple agents to selectively affect signaling pathways. Modular delivery of multiple agents through a mechanical stimulus such as strain would provide new temporal control over release. Here, we present the design and characterization of geometrically-enhanced mechanoresponsive systems (GEMS). These superhydrophobic composites successfully load and release a wide variety of compounds, and through the GEMS design, compounds of interest can be selectively and sequentially released as a function of mechanical strain. As a proof of concept, we altered neural activity <i>in cultured neurons through monitoring intracellular calcium. </i>We demonstrate that through selectively releasing a combination of two compounds, an agonist and an antagonist, from GEMS using different mechanical strain, we not only alter the groups of cells that respond to different compound combinations, but also magnitude of the cellular responses.

Strain-activated GEMS modulate cell signaling and response

256th National Meeting (2018)

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