title: Stiff, multistimuli-responsive supramolecular hydrogels as unique molds for 2D/3D microarchitectures of live cells.
abstract: Supramolecular hydrogels constructed through molecular self-assembly of small molecules have unique stimuli-responsive properties; however, they are mechanically weak in general, relative to conventional polymer gels. Very recently, we developed a zwitterionic amino acid tethered amphiphilic molecule 1, which gave rise to a remarkably stiff hydrogel comparable with polymer-based agarose gel, retaining reversible thermal-responsive properties. In this study, we describe that rational accumulation of multiple and orthogonal noncovalent interactions in the supramolecular nanofibers of 1 played crucial roles not only in the mechanical reinforcement but also in the multistimuli responsiveness. That is, the zwitterionic amino acid moiety and the C-C double bond unit of the hydrogelator 1 can function as a pH-responsive unit and a light-responsive unit, respectively. We also demonstrated that this stiff and multistimuli-responsive supramolecular hydrogel 1 is applied as a unique mold for 2D and 3D-patterning of various substances. More significantly, we succeeded in the fabrication of a collagen gel for spatial patterning, culturing, and differentiation of live cells by using hydrogel 1 molds equipped with 2D/3D microspace channels (100-200 μm in diameter).
authors: Department of Synthetic Chemistry and Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Katsura, Kyoto, 615-8510, Japan.
authors: Harunobu
authors: H
authors: Komatsu
authors: Shinya
authors: S
authors: Tsukiji
authors: Masato
authors: M
authors: Ikeda
authors: Itaru
authors: I
authors: Hamachi
mesh_terms: D000596:Amino Acids / Q000737:chemistry; D000818:Animals; D016466:CHO Cells; D006224:Cricetinae; D003412:Cricetulus; D006367:HeLa Cells; D006801:Humans; D020100:Hydrogels / Q000737:chemistry*; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D008027:Light; D016716:PC12 Cells; D051381:Rats
chemical_list: D000596:Amino Acids; D020100:Hydrogels