The facile generation of two-dimensional stiffness maps in durotactic cell platforms through thickness projections of three-dimensional submerged topography.

An innovative platform that aims to facilitate studies of how adherent cells migrate in response to rigidity gradients or durotaxis has been developed. Soft polyacrylamide gel-based cell culture scaffolds are used to fabricate flat surfaces containing elasticity gradients through changes in the underlying patterned features. Moreover, this inert gel surface supports long-term cell viability and offers a tunable stiffness. By manipulating the thickness of the gel substrate through the embedded patterns, this system is also capable of directing collective cell patterning.