Controlling cell-matrix interactions is critical in regulating cell phenotypes for tissue engineering applications. Cellular adhesion to synthetic extracellular matrices (ECMs) can be enhanced by introduction of adhesion ligands to the matrices. We tested the hypothesis that biophysical cues such as ligand organization in synthetic ECMs play an important role in modulating cell responses to the microenvironment. To investigate and monitor cell-matrix interactions, we used a fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) technique with cell-interactive polymers generated by conjugating a peptide with the sequence of arginine-glycine-aspartic acid (RGD) to alginate hydrogels.