Maintaining neural progenitor cell stemness has proven challenging in vitro, due to their propensity to form cell-dense neurospheres. Here, the authors developed a 3D hydrogel system that supports neural progenitor cell stemness maintenance and differentiation by tuning matrix mechanics and cell-binding cues, enabling long-term expansion and neuron formation without needing dense cell clusters.
- Michelle S. Huang
- Bauer L. LeSavage
- Sarah C. Heilshorn
