Dynamic regulation of cell behavior using stimuli-responsive polymers with dynamic crosslinks

2022 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 20H04539
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (B)
• Allocation Type: Single-year Grants
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 90120:Biomaterials-related
• Research Institution: Kansai University
• Principal Investigator: Miyata Takashi 関西大学, 化学生命工学部, 教授 (50239414)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): 岩崎 泰彦 関西大学, 化学生命工学部, 教授 (90280990)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-04-01 – 2023-03-31
• Keywords: 刺激応答性高分子 / 細胞 / メカノバイオロジー / 動的架橋 / 時空間制御 / ゲル

Outline of Final Research Achievements

In this study, we designed three types of stimuli-responsive polymers (photo/temperature-responsive gels, photo/biomolecule-responsive gels, and photo-responsive films) by a strategy using dynamic cross-links, and cultured cells on their surfaces and within gels. Photo/temperature-responsive gels underwent a drastic change in the modulus and hydrophilicity in response to light and temperature, respectively. Cell adhesion and behavior on the photo/temperature-responsive gels were strongly influenced by the modulus and hydrophilicity. Photo/biomolecule-responsive gels underwent a sol-gel phase transition in response to light and a target molecule. Cell proliferation was effectively regulated by the sol-gel phase transition of the photo/biomolecule-responsive gels. Photo-responsive films changed the surface modulus in response to light exposure. Cells adhered to the unexposed area of the photo-responsive films and cell patterns were formed on their micropatterned surface.

Free Research Field

機能性高分子

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

動的架橋戦略に基づいて光や温度，生体分子で物理的・化学的性質を調節できる3種類の刺激応答性高分子の設計に成功し，その表面や内部で細胞培養を行った。このような刺激応答性高分子は時間的・空間的に細胞の挙動を制御できる細胞環境（スマートニッチ）を提供でき，革新的な時空間制御型細胞培養システムを開発するための材料として期待できる。本研究により，学術的には高分子科学によりメカノバイオロジーの発展に貢献し，実用的にも再生医療における幹細胞の増殖や分化を制御する革新的材料システムの提案に繋がる成果として社会的意義も大きい。