Spatiotemporally Controllable and Cytocompatible Approach Builds 3D Cell Culture Matrix by Photo-Uncaged-Thiol Michael Addition Reaction

A new concept of photocrosslinking mechanism is developed to construct a 3D cell culture matrix based on a photouncaged-thiol Michael addition. This first-class approach not only provides highly cytocompatible gelation in a spatiotemporally controlled manner, but also controls gel stiffness via appropriate light dose, signaling desired cues to live cells and thus important to bioengineering and regenerative medicine.