ACTIVE CELL GROWTH SUBSTRATES AND USES THEREOF

摘要

The present invention provides for a cell growth substrate, wherein the substrate comprises a growth medium and a cross-linked polymer, wherein increased strain on the polymer does not substantially increase rigidity of the polymer, and wherein the polymer has an elastic modulus (E) of about 0.1 kPa to about 10.0 kPa. An apparatus for applying a perturbation to a cell in vitro is also provided, wherein the apparatus comprises the cell growth substrate and an external force generator associated with the substrate. The invention further provides methods for stimulating growth of a cell in vitro, cell differentiation in vitro, and a cellular response in vitro, for promoting growth of a cell in vivo, for treating a wound.