Fibroin/collagen hybrid hydrogels with crosslinking method: Preparation, properties, and cytocompatibility

Substrate stiffness is an important physical factor in the response of many cell types. Although protein-based hydrogels are widely used as cell-culture substrates because of their resemblance to the natural extracellular matrix (ECM) and complex signaling, their rigidity should be further increased to facilitate the adhesion and growth of cells. In this study, fibroin/collagen hydrogels having suitable stiffness were prepared directly by adding...