Randomly oriented microgrooved hydrogel guides cellular motility, modulates speed, and governs directionality of cellular spread

Abstract

Cell migration is a fundamental biological process, yet the mechanisms underlying how cells sense and navigate complex environments remain poorly understood. In this study, we developed a system of randomly oriented microgrooves, designed at cellular length scales, to explore motility intelligence in response to varied topographies. These microgrooves allowed cells to freely choose their migratory paths, revealing key insights into how cells sense and adapt to topological cues. Using fibroblast cells migrating over these grooved substrates, we examined cellular processes such as actin cytoskeleton remodeling, cell adhesion dynamics, and the impact of groove alignment on migration speed and directionality. Our results demonstrate that cells align their cytoskeletal structures to groove geometries, forming actin-rich anchors that enhance migration in groove-aligned environments. Cells migrating in grooves aligned with their intrinsic polarity exhibited faster, more directed migration compared to those in misaligned or control conditions. This work advances our understanding of cell-topology interaction and provides new perspectives for tissue engineering applications in cancer therapy and wound healing.