Design and characterization of DNA-based hydrogels for mechanobiology

The study of cell-matrix interactions is fundamental for understanding cell biology and the
progression of diseases, and to contribute to tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
However, these studies require sophisticated substrates to study the effect of cell
microenvironment. In this view, hydrogels are biomaterials that emerged as interesting
candidates due to their ability to closely replicate the natural tissue environment [1]. Among
them, DNA-based hydrogels have attracted considerable attention owing to the intrinsic
properties of DNA, including biocompatibility, programmability, and adaptable mechanical
properties [2]. To provide innovative modulable scaffolds for 2D and 3D cell culture, we have
used two types of genomic DNA (differing in sequences and lengths) and media. We have
investigated the chiroptical properties of genomic DNA in aqueous solutions and gel state
and measured the storage modulus by microindentation. The obtained hydrogels are
promising scaffolds to study cell migration with modular mechanical properties of the
substrate.