Dynamic Hydrogels: Switching of 3D Microenvironments Using Two‐Component Naturally Derived Extracellular Matrices (Adv. Mater. 6/2010)

The front cover image depicts a two-component extracellular matrix (ECM) in which one component acts as a stable structural element (which supports cell attachment and migration) and another component gels or dissolves reversibly (a modulatory component). Samuel K. Sia and co-workers show on p. 686 that by dynamically adding or removing crosslinks in the modulatory component, properties of the composite ECM, such as the ability of cells to migrate and the rate of diffusive transport, can be altered.