The Polymer Society of Korea

윤신우 (연세대학교)

고원건 (연세대학교)

Conventional cell viability assays are limited by destructive end-points and labeling requirements, hindering real-time analysis. Here, we present a label-free and non-invasive platform for real-time observation of cellular metabolism using an MMP-9–responsive gelatin hydrogel combined with optical moiré pattern monitoring. A micro-structured hydrogel overlaid with a reference grid generates moiré patterns whose dynamic shifts arise from MMP-9–induced degradation and swelling. These optical changes enable continuous monitoring of cellular metabolic activity without sample damage or labeling and were validated in 3D tumor spheroid models.