#  Cellular Microcultures: Programming Mechanical and Physicochemical Properties of 3D Hydrogel Cellular Microcultures via Direct Ink Writing 

 



 ![Journal cover of healthcare materials](/sites/g/files/omnuum11526/files/lewis-lab/files/adhm201670043-gra-0001-m.png)

 

R. Nuzzo, J. A. Lewis, and co-workers show how compositional differences in hydrogels are used to tune their cellular compliance by controlling their polymer mesh properties and subsequent uptake of the protein poly-l-lysine (green spheres in circled inset). The cover image shows pyramid micro-scaffolds prepared using direct ink writing (DIW) that differentially direct fibroblast and preosteoblast growth in 3D, depending on cell motility and surface treatment.