Cancer cell migration within 3D layer-by-layer microfabricated photocrosslinked PEG scaffolds with tunable stiffness

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0142961212006485

The authors use layer-by-layer techniques to fabricate a PEG matrix combined with a micromirror projection printing system to create a log-pile architecture with definable pore-size and stiffness. They use these matrices to compare cancer cell migration on soft vs. stiff substrates and 2D vs. 3D substrates.  The main conclusions that they demonstrate are significant differences between migration parameters between 2D vs. 3D and between different cell types on different matrix types. The paper generally demonstrates the need to study cell migration on 3D scaffolds and the need to analyze/control matrix stiffness as a factor affecting cell migration.