Abstract: Provided herein are methods which alter the mechanical and biological properties of polymeric materials. Also provided are compositions comprising the polymeric materials having said properties.

Abstract: This document describes systems and methods for integrated mechanical loading of tissue. The system includes a three-dimensional tissue comprising organic material. The system includes a strip of bendable material. The strip includes a first region proximate to a first end of the strip coupled to the tissue. The strip includes a second region near a second end of the strip for coupled to the tissue, the second end being opposite the first end, wherein the tissue exerts a force on the strip to bend the strip, the force caused by contraction of the tissue, and wherein the strip exerts a stress on the tissue.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods which alter the mechanical and biological properties of polymeric materials. Also provided are compositions comprising the polymeric materials having said properties.

Abstract: The systems and methods of the present disclosure can be used to generate systems and models that are physiologically relevant to the human and animal system. These physiological conditions can be designed to mimic the actual human condition for cell differentiation and proliferation. The system and methods of this present disclosure allow the formation of an appropriate biomaterial to mimic that which exists in a human or animal scaffold. Utilizing 3D printing technology, a hydrogel scaffold can be printed at various resolution very close to human physiological geometry. Additionally, the architecture can be optimized for the selected application and appropriate cells can be seeded on the scaffold prior to testing.

Abstract: This document describes systems and methods for integrated mechanical loading of tissue. The system includes a three-dimensional tissue comprising organic material. The system includes a strip of bendable material. The strip includes a first region proximate to a first end of the strip coupled to the tissue. The strip includes a second region near a second end of the strip for coupled to the tissue, the second end being opposite the first end, wherein the tissue exerts a force on the strip to bend the strip, the force caused by contraction of the tissue, and wherein the strip exerts a stress on the tissue.