Optogenetic Platform Enables Dynamic Control of Collagen Mechanics

Professors Max Wilson, Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology and Angela Pitenis, Materials Department, are leading the development of light-responsive biocompatible hydrogels. By leveraging optogenetic tools to control material properties, they achieve seconds temporal resolution and submicron spatial resolution, allowing them to investigate cell signaling and dynamics. This project, initiated by a CNSI New Partnerships Challenge Grant, has potential applications to cell sensing, diagnostics, and biointerfacing prosthetics.