Fibroblast alignment is governed by stiffness interfaces in hydrogels.
R. J. B. Dijkstra, Janette Kay Burgess, Xenos Petridis, Prashant K. Sharma, Martin C. Harmsen
This study shows fibroblasts align differently at soft/soft vs. soft/stiff hydrogel interfaces, with increased myofibroblast differentiation at stiff interfaces due to mechanical cues alone.
Cell Reports Physical Science · Jul 9, 2026Peer-reviewedBioengineering