Diels-Alder Photoclick Patterning of Extracellular Matrix for Spatially Controlled Cell Behaviors.

Strategies that mimic the spatial complexity of natural tissues can provide cellular scaffolds to probe fundamental questions in cell biology and offer new materials for regenerative medicine. Here, we demonstrate a light-guided patterning platform that uses natural ECM-proteins as a substrate to program cellular behaviors. We utilize a photocaged diene which undergoes Diels-Alder based click chemistry upon uncaging with 365 nm light. By interfacing with commercially available maleimide dienophiles, we achieve patterning of common ECM proteins (collagen, fibronectin Matrigel, laminin) with readily purchased functional small molecules and growth factors. Finally, we highlight the use of this platform to spatially control ERK activity and migration in mammalian cells, demonstrating programmable cell behavior through patterned chemical modification of natural ECM. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.