Smart hydrogel probes to measure complex tissue mechanics within engineered tumors

Abstract

Abstract—Measuring the rate of expansion of dispersible hydrogel microspheres embedded within engineered tumors is used to assess highly local viscoelastic tissue characteristics. We find that viscoelasticity is both heterogenous and closely correlated with invasive programs in breast cancer models.

Clinical Relevance— establishes a potential diagnostic modality for metastatic risk via dynamism of tissue architecture.