Novel Nanomaterials Enable Biomimetic Models of the Tumor Microenvironment

Figure 2

Epithelial cell transformation in dynamic culture system. (a) Alginate-Matrigel IPN loaded with liposomes containing calcium and AuNR. Calcium is released from the liposomes via AuNR SPR upon NIR irradiation, stiffening the bulk elastic modulus (E) from 150 to 1000 Pa. (b) Mammary epithelial cells encapsulated within the soft gel for polarized cell aggregates (acini) over culture. However, stiffening of this gel disrupts acinar formation, leading to invasive clusters.

(a)

(b)