Dresden 2026 – scientific programme

Parts | Days | Selection | Search | Updates | Downloads | Help

BP: Fachverband Biologische Physik

BP 7: Poster Session I

BP 7.10: Poster

Monday, March 9, 2026, 15:00–17:00, P5

Engineering Shear-Thinning Hydrogels: A Dynamic Scaffold for 3D Tissue Culture — •Bruno Schmelz¹, Fen Li², Kai Zhang², and Timo Betz¹ — ¹Third Institute of Physics, University Göttingen — ²Sustainable Materials and Chemistry, University Göttingen

Extracellular matrix scaffolds are essential for advanced 3D cell culture systems, providing structures for cell movement as well as physical and chemical cues that promote migration, proliferation, and differentiation. Hence, the extracellular matrix is crucial for functional tissue formation. However, natural extracellular matrix materials used in vitro, such as collagen and elastin, are difficult to control regarding elastic properties, polymer mesh size, and homogeneity. Our objective is to design a dynamic hydrogel, tailored to meet the specific requirements of 3D tissue culture, such as viscoelastic properties and cell-binding sites, that initially supports tissue formation but can be dissolved and replaced by cell-generated extracellular matrix. We propose a hydrogel with dynamic cross-links that allows for reorganization by embedded cells, resembling processes in physiological tissues. We present the rheological properties of the hydrogel and the initial findings of cellular migration and reorganization of cell-gel systems. When subjected to stress, the hydrogel exhibits a transition to a more liquid-like state, with the potential to solidify again upon stress relaxation. This behavior allows cells to remodel their surrounding matrix and shape their environment, as evidenced by experiments with cells cultured in the hydrogels.

Keywords: Hydrogel; Dynamic Cross-linking; Shear Thinning; Extracellular Matrix; Tissue Culture