Regensburg 2025 – scientific programme

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CPP: Fachverband Chemische Physik und Polymerphysik

CPP 9: Biomaterials and Biopolymers (joint session BP/CPP)

CPP 9.6: Invited Talk

Monday, March 17, 2025, 16:15–16:45, H46

In situ control of cells and multicellular structures at the microscale by two-photon lithography — •Christine Selhuber-Unkel — Heidelberg University, IMSEAM, Heidelberg, Germany

In vivo, cells and multicellular assemblies often experience strong confinement by their surrounding tissue environment, particularly in cancer. Thus, replicating these confined environments in situ is essential for investigating their impact on cellular systems. Using two-photon lithography, we printed structures directly within and around multicellular assemblies. For example, we fabricated dome-shaped confinements with micrometer-scale openings to encapsulate cancer spheroids. This enabled us to study how confinement influences cancer cell migration and spheroid behavior. Our findings revealed that confinement slows cell migration and alters actin dynamics. In addition, in situ printed structures can also directly interfere with migrating cellular assemblies. Additionally, elastic structures can be created to mechanically stimulate cells, offering further control over cellular behavior. Therefore, two-photon lithography proves to be a powerful tool for manipulating the growth, migration, and morphology of live cells, making it particularly useful for exploring how changing physical microenvironment in situ affect cell responses.

Keywords: cell migration; mechanobiology; 3D printing; microstructures; multicellular systems