Photoresponsive smart hydrogel microsphere via host-guest interaction for 3D cell culture

In this study, we designed a kind of photoresponsive hydrogel microsphere for three-dimensional (3D) cell culture, which is based on the host-guest interaction of β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) and Azobenzene. The hydrogel microsphere consists of polyethylene glycol (PEG) and β-CD modified poly(methyl vinyl ether-alt-maleic acid) (PMVE-alt-MA) which was allowed to assemble with azobenzene-arginine-glycine-aspartate (Azo-RGD) via host-guest interaction for controlling cell adhesion and detachment. UV irradiation led to the detachment of Azo-RGD from hydrogel microsphere, and the number of cells cultured on the hydrogel microsphere surface was reduced subsequently. This photo-switchable surface can achieve the controllability of cells adhesion and detachment.