How to study the effects of stiffness on cell behaviour?

Some papers answer questions. Others help researchers ask new ones.
In our latest Star Protocols publication, we share a detailed workflow for the synthesis, mechanical characterization, functionalization, and use of polyacrylamide (PAA) hydrogels with tunable stiffness for cell culture applications.

As a lab, we strongly believe that science benefits when protocols are shared openly and in sufficient detail. Good protocols make advanced techniques more accessible, help researchers adapt existing methods to their own biological questions, and allow new ideas to be explored without having to reinvent everything from scratch.

A special shout-out to Charlotte Cresens, who put together one of the most detailed protocols I have ever seen, and to Samet Aytekin, who took over the project after Charlotte left the lab for new challenges and helped bring it across the finish line. And, of course, many thanks to Paul Kouwer and his group for their continuous support and collaboration in all things hydrogel-related over the years.

We hope this protocol will be a useful resource for researchers working in mechanobiology, biomaterials, cell-material interactions, and beyond. 🔎 Curious? Check it out here.