Hydrogel micropillars with integrin selective peptidomimetic functionalized nanopatterned tops: a new tool for the measurement of cell traction forces transmitted through αvß3- or α5ß1-integrins.

Poly(ethylene glycol) micropillars with gold nanopatterns on top are functionalized with two integrin selective ligands. This platform is a powerful new tool to determine the specific contribution of traction forces involved in cell adhesion mediated by α5ß1- and αvß3-integrins. Cells adherent via α5ß1-integrins have a tendency to exert higher maximum forces than cells adhering via αvß3-integrins.