Directional Matrix Nanotopography with Varied Sizes for Engineering Wound Healing

Abstract

Topographic features play a crucial role in the regulation of physiologically relevant cell and tissue functions. Here, an analysis of feature-size-dependent cell-nanoarchitecture interactions is reported using an array of scaffolds in the form of uniformly spaced ridge/groove structures for engineering wound healing. The ridge and groove widths of nanopatterns are varied from 300 to 800 nm and the nanotopography features are classified into three size ranges: dense (300-400 nm), intermediate (500-600 nm), and sparse (700-800 nm). On these matrices, fibroblasts demonstrate a biphasic trend of cell body and nucleus elongation showing the maximum at intermediate feature density, whereas maximum migration speed is observed at the dense case with monotonic decrease upon increasing feature size. The directional organization of cell-synthesized fibronectin fibers can be regulated differently via the nanotopographical features. In an in vitro wound healing model, the covering rate of cell-free regions is maximized on the dense nanotopography and decreased with increasing feature size, showing direct correlation with the trend of migration speed. It is demonstrated that the properties of repaired tissue matrices in the process of wound healing may be controlled via the feature-size-dependent cell-nanoarchitecture interactions, which can be an important consideration for designing tissue engineering scaffolds.

Micropatterning Decellularized ECM as a Bioactive Surface to Guide Cell Alignment, Proliferation, and Migration

“…For example, skin possesses an organized, aligned ECM, composed primarily of collagen, which contributes to the unique tensile strength and elasticity of the organ [ 24 ]. The alignment of the proteins making up the ECM can also be strongly dependent on the alignment of cells [ 25 , 26 ]. It is well established that alterations in the chemical and structural characteristics of cell culture surfaces can impact cell behavior, including alignment [ 27 , 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 ].…”

“…It is well established that alterations in the chemical and structural characteristics of cell culture surfaces can impact cell behavior, including alignment [ 27 , 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 ]. Likewise, topographically patterned cell-culture surfaces can guide and organize cells and secreted ECM components [ 26 , 28 , 32 ]. Furthermore, while a variety of micro- and nanopatterned biomaterials have been generated for cell alignment, the fabrication of easily micropatterned substrates using strictly physical cues to align cells, and therefore ECM, holds potential for biomaterials for tissue engineering.…”

Radially patterned transplantable biodegradable scaffolds as topographically defined contact guidance platforms for accelerating bone regeneration

“…It is well known that topographical structure of the scaffolds affects cellular morphology and function [ 27 , 28 , 40 , 41 ]. Immunofluorescence was used to investigate the effects of the different topographical cues on shape and orientation at a single-cell level.…”

“…Living cells are highly sensitive to the complex, but well-defined structural extracellular matrix (ECM) environment that can regulate cell fate and function [ 27 , 28 ]. The ECM has various topographical characteristics that range from a microscale to nanoscale.…”

“…In this respect, topographical guidance has been continuously studied as a strategy to enhance cellular phenomena, such as proliferation, migration, and differentiation, and also to promote tissue regeneration [ 30 , 31 ]. In particular, many studies have been published regarding the regeneration of various tissues using micro-nano scale aligned topography; the strategies involved include the control of cell morphology and cellular behavior [ 27 , 32 – 34 ]. However, research regarding radial topography in the control of cellular behavior and enhancing tissue regeneration is very limited.…”