Control of cancer cell phenotypes via supramolecular hydrogels: the role of extracellular matrix stiffness

Abstract

Malignan cell lines are frequently used as a model to understand cancer and to identify potential new treatments. However maintaining the initial cancer cells phenotypes in culture remains an important challenge, which strongly impact on the proper evaluation of novel therapeutic approaches. The mechanical properties of the extracellular matrix (ECM) are known to strongly impact on the cells fate and phenotype. Herein, we report on tunable artificial ECM based on supramolecular gels allowing the control of cancer cell phenotypes