Fig. 1

Gelatin matrices preparation, characterization and cell behavior. a Schematic illustration of gelatin matrix functionalization via silanization and POMA coating. b, c SEM and AFM images of gelatin matrices (inset shows high magnification). d Surface roughness (Rq), water contact angle (CA), and Young’s modulus (YM; E). e, f, g) Live/dead cell assay, viability, and preosteoblast proliferation on gelatin matrices, respectively. h) Live cell imaging of preosteoblasts cultured on gelatin matrices scanned in AFM liquid contact mode at day 1, wherein fiber-like structures indicate filopodia. Immunofluorescence images of i 2D image of cell spreading, j FA spots and k merged 3D images of preosteoblasts (green: vinculin, red: F-actin, blue: nucleus). l) Number of adhesion spots (#) and the average occupied area (A) of FA. Results are mean ± SD of one triplicate approach that is representative of three independent experiments. *** p < 0.001 indicates a statistically significant difference