Figure 8.

Cellular mechanoresponse to surface gradient roughness. a) The fluorescent images of MSC on roughness gradient soft and stiff hydrogels after cultured for 24 h. Scale bar inidicates 100 µm. b) Cells sense synergized roughness and stiffness stimulation.^{[ 7 ]} On the soft substrate, the high rough features provide more adaptable contact areas that allow the cell to largely deform the substrate, resulting in an enhanced mechanoresponse. In a stiff environment, the cell mechanoresponse shows a biphasic manner to the roughness features. The nanoscale roughness enhanced cell adhesion and mechanotransduction via increasing specific surface area. While the microscale features will limit the space for cell extension, suppressing cell adhesion and tension.