Cancer cells are seeded within a biomaterial hydrogel composed of gelatin and a gradated concentration of hyaluronic acid. This material is inspired by transitions found in the brain tumor tissue. Cells are treated with a current anti-cancer drug (Erlotinib) and their response is tested via cells that are alive (green color) and those that are dead (red color). Cell distribution and response depends on the spatial heterogeneity within the surrounding hydrogel (top image). Live tumor cells show diverse volumes as they interact with the controlled heterogeneous engineering matrix. Live cells are catalogued depending on their geometry (bottom image).
