Stem cell migration and mechanotransduction on linear stiffness gradient hydrogels

A method of polymerization control in which the differential diffusion distance of unreacted cross-linker and monomer into a prepolymerized hydrogel sink results in a tunable stiffness gradient at the cell–matrix interface is developed, making it possible to pinpoint optimal stiffness values for a wide range of biological phenomena without the confounding effects of durotaxis.