Micropatterned materials have developed in nature over 3.8 billion years, with remarkable
performance. Nature inspiration is the process of understanding biological mechanisms and …

Immune responses are governed by signals from the tissue microenvironment, and in
addition to biochemical signals, mechanical cues and forces arising from the tissue, its …

Background Extracellular matrix (ECM) is a dynamic and complex environment
characterized by biophysical, mechanical and biochemical properties specific for each …

With the unique properties such as high surface area to volume ratio, stability, inertness,
ease of functionalization, as well as novel optical, electrical, and magnetic behaviors …

In this work, we constructed a Collagen I–Matrigel composite extracellular matrix (ECM). The
composite ECM was used to determine the influence of the local collagen fiber orientation …

Much of our understanding of the biological mechanisms that underlie cellular functions,
such as migration, differentiation and force-sensing has been garnered from studying cells …

The field of stem cells and regenerative medicine offers considerable promise as a means of
delivering new treatments for a wide range of diseases. In order to maximize the …

Collective cell migration results from the establishment and maintenance of collective
polarization, mechanocoupling, and cytoskeletal kinetics. The guidance of collective cell …

To establish and maintain organ structure and function, tissues need to balance stem cell
proliferation and differentiation rates and coordinate cell fate with position. By quantifying …

Morphogenesis, tumor formation, and wound healing are regulated by tissue rigidity. Focal
adhesion behavior is locally regulated by stiffness; however, how cells globally adapt …