A Biodegradable and Biocompatible Regular Nanopattern for Large‐Scale Selective Cell Growth

Abstract

A biodegradable substrate with a regular array of nanopillars fabricated by electron-beam lithography and hot embossing is used to address the mechanisms of nanotopographical control of cell behavior. Two different cell lines cultured on the nanopillars show striking differences in cell coverage. These changes are topography- and cell-dependent, and are not mediated by air bubbles trapped on the nanopattern. For the first time, a strong cell-selective effect of the same nanotopography has been clearly demonstrated on a large area; while fibroblast proliferation is inhibited, endothelial cell spreading is visibly enhanced. The reduced fibroblast proliferation indicates that a reduction of available surface area induced by nanotopography might be the main factor affecting cell growth on nanopatterns. The results presented herein pave the way towards the development of permanent vascular replacements, where non-adhesive, inert, surfaces will induce rapid in situ endothelialization to reduce thrombosis and occlusion.

Improved visualisation of internalised carbon nanotubes by maximising cell spreading on nanostructured substrates

“…The method here presented can create a precise nanopattern of gold dots; however, other nanostructured substrates are available in the literature [6,7]. The polymer we employ can control, at regularly-space intervals, the deposition of gold nanoparticles on glass substrates.…”

“…Other substrate preparations do exist, eg. [6,7], but a threshold mechanism in cell adhesion is universal. Here, fibroblast show a threshold in cell adhesion when nanodots are spaced in the range 60-70 nm.…”

“…The responses of cells to diverse topographical features, eg. nanopillars and nanogrooves, have been known for decades [5][6][7]. A recent theme in nanostructured substrates has been focused on methods that can control the positions of ligands.…”

Designer Supersurfaces via Bioinspiration and Biomimetics for Dental Materials and Structures

“…For example in one study nanopillar structures of a specified aspect ratio would favour endothelial cell adhesion while concomitantly preventing adhesion of fibroblastic cells. This duality is ideal for vascular implants in, which endothelial association is needed for coating and the fusion with existing vessels without interference of fibroblasts involved in clotting reactions [4] (Fig. 11.3c).…”

“…Programmable biomaterials with influential topography are a realistic prospect for interplay with human cells and bacteria cells. There is tremendous array of data showing the diverse pairings of nanotopography arrays with fibroblasts, endothelial, epithelial, pluripotent, mesenchymal and embryonic [3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12]. There are numerous instances of conflicting results but there are strong trends emerging.…”