A Simple Lithographic Approach for Preparing Patterned, Micron-Scale Corrals for Controlling Cell Growth

Abstract

Hydrophobic n-alkanethiolate bottoms and walls consisting of hydrophilic three-layer poly(acrylic acid)/poly(ethylene glycol) nanocomposite polymers are used for making patterned corrals having lateral dimensions of 63 μm. Macrophage cells are confined within these corrals and are unable to grow over the corral walls (see picture).

Designing polyethylene glycol (PEG) – plasticized membranes of poly(vinyl alcohol-g-methyl methacrylate) and investigation of water sorption and blood compatibility behaviors

“…The PEG and its derivatives show numerous applications in controlled drug delivery systems, enzyme immobilization matrices to size selective biomembranes, and wound dressings [6]. The PEG gels are used as optical biosensors, drug delivery, patterned hydrogel micro structures, and as substrate materials for directed cell growth [7][8][9][10][11][12].…”

Reactions and Reactivity in Self-Assembled Monolayers

“…[60] Such patterned polymers can subsequently be capped with a conformal coating of a second polymer. [61] Abbott and co-workers prepared patterned polymeric films by polymerization of e-caprolactone. Polymerization was initiated by terminal hydroxy groups of the patterned monolayer.…”

Colloid Lithography-Induced Polydimethylsiloxane Microstructures and their Application to Cell Patterning

“…Attachment to the substrate appeared to be regulated by hydrophobic (polydimethylsiloxane) and hydrophilic (glass) interactions. We speculate that the hydrophilic glass surface prohibits the formation of a protein layer that mediates cell adherence (Lopez et al 1993, Mrksich et al 1997, Ghosh et al 1999. The bacteria were not adsorbed on the clean glass surface after rinsing.…”

“…Our technique uses an easily controllable process and a simplified patterning strategy. It does not use a biochemical cell coordinator, such as ethylene glycol as non-cell fouling agent (Lopez et al 1993, Ghosh et al 1999, or mediating proteins to attach cells (Mrksich et al 1997). In those approaches, a polydimethylsiloxane stamp regulates the patterning of the biochemical cell coordinator which coordinates the cells.…”