This new class of synthetic hydrogel can more precisely model a natural matrix structure by resisting swelling upon hydration, as well as being tunable for stiffness using MMP-degradable crosslinks. The gel was integrated with a microfluidic device to recapitulate a dynamic landscape for endothelial cell migration. Because of its non-swelling properties, the gel can host soluble chemokine gradients to stimulate cell migration, while the gel's own degradability by cell-produced matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) makes it a more truly interactive model system.