Systematic Comparison of Commercial Hydrogels Revealed That a Synergy of Laminin and Strain-Stiffening Promotes Directed Migration of Neural Cells

Hydrogels have shown potential in replacing damaged nerve tissue, but the ideal hydrogel is yet to be found. In this study, various commercially available hydrogels were compared. Schwann cells, fibroblasts, and dorsal root ganglia neurons were seeded on the hydrogels, and their morphology, viability, proliferation, and migration were examined. Additionally, detailed analyses of the gels' rheological properties and topography were conducted. Our results demonstrate vast differences on cell elongation and directed migration on the hydrogels. Laminin was identified as the driver behind cell elongation and in combination with a porous, fibrous, and strain-stiffening matrix structure responsible for oriented cell motility. This study improves our understanding of cell-matrix interactions and thereby facilitates tailored fabrication of hydrogels in the future.

Automated summary

This study compared various commercially available hydrogels and examined their effects on the morphology, viability, proliferation, and migration of nerve cells. The rheological properties and topography of the hydrogels were also analyzed. The results showed significant differences in cell elongation and directed migration on the hydrogels, which were driven by laminin and a porous, fibrous, and strain-stiffening matrix structure. This study enhances our understanding of cell-matrix interactions and provides technical support for the future fabrication of tailored hydrogels.