The cell microenvironment has emerged as a key determinant of cell behavior and function
in development, physiology, and pathophysiology. The extracellular matrix (ECM) within the …

Gradient scaffolds are isotropic/anisotropic three-dimensional structures with gradual
transitions in geometry, density, porosity, stiffness, etc., that mimic the biological extracellular …

Mimicking natural tissue structure is crucial for engineered tissues with intended
applications ranging from regenerative medicine to biorobotics. Native tissues are highly …

Interface tissue engineering (ITE) is a rapidly developing field that aims to fabricate
biological tissue alternates with the goal of repairing or regenerating the functions of …

Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) cylindrical hydrogel with a stiffness gradient was prepared using a
simple liquid nitrogen (LN 2)-contacting gradual freezing and thawing method in order to …

Functionally gradient materials (FGM) have gradual variations in their properties along one
or more dimensions due to local compositional or structural distinctions by design …

Despite advances in medicine and biomedical sciences, cancer still remains a major health
issue. Complex interactions between tumors and their microenvironment contribute to tumor …

Although stiffness-controllable substrates have been developed to investigate the effect of
stiffness on cell behavior and function, the use of separate substrates with different degrees …

During tissue morphogenesis and homeostasis, cells experience various signals in their
environments, including gradients of physical and chemical cues. Spatial and temporal …

Natural tissues possess a so-called J-shaped strain-stiffening behavior, being soft and
compliant at small strains followed by a rapid stiffening at higher strains to prevent tissue …