Nanoscale patterning that promotes cell adhesion

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

Cell adhesion is governed by interactions of cell surface receptors with proteins found inthe extracellular matrix (ECM). Nanometer and micrometer length scales are relevant in this process, and flexible strategies to pattern cell adhesion ligands derived from ECM proteins, particularly at the micro- and nanoscale, provides tremendous opportunities to study and control cell behavior. One objective of this research is to employ ultraviolet (UV) irradiation to selectively chemically transform programmable polymer surfaces to micropattern cell adhesion peptides. A second objective is to translate the technology using low intensity electron beam (e-beam) radiation to fabricate nanopatterns of peptides. We hypothesize that micropatterns and nanopatterns of cell adhesion peptides fabricated using UV or e-beam radiation and a pH- sensitive polymer surface will promote cell adhesion. We have proposed two specific aims to reach our objectives. The first aim is to quantify osteoblast behavior on surfaces micropatterned with cell adhesion peptides. Polymer surfaces will be prepared and subsequently converted to micropatterns of amine-reactive groups using UV light, a photoacid generator (PAG), and a mask. Cell adhesion peptides will be conjugated to the surfaces. In vitro cell culture will verify that the surfaces promote osteoblast adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation. The second aim is to fabricate nanoarrays of biomolecules using pH sensitive surfaces. Nanopatterns of biomolecules will be generated using e-beam radiation. Osteoblast adhesion will be demonstrated to validate the approach. One potential outcome of this research is the development of new implant coatings that promote osseointegration. The second potential outcome is a general strategy to pattern biomolecules with nanometer resolution to study cell adhesion. The long-term goal of this research is to employ a flexible patterning technique to determine the critical sizes, shapes, and physical separations of cell adhesion ligands at the nanoscale. Such information is essential to the rational design of biomaterials and to understanding the mechanisms by which signals from the ECM are transduced to the cell interior. Relevance. Surface coatings that promote and control cell behavior can lead to better human implants and devices.