Microfluidics-generated immobilized biomolecule gradients on hydrogels

Extra-cellular matrix (ECM) tethered morphogen gradients play an important role in tissue development and regeneration. There is currently only a limited set of model systems which can mimic these gradients in an artificial ECM-like environment. We have developed such a system that is able to stably immobilize a microfluidics-generated protein gradient on a poly(ethylene) glycol (PEG) hydrogel. After patterning, the hydrogel can be released from the chip and be directly used for cell culture.