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Next Generation Cell Culture Tools Featuring Micro‐ and Nanotopographies for Biological Screening
Author(s) -
Carthew James,
Abdelmaksoud Hazem H.,
Cowley Karla J.,
HodgsonGarms Margeaux,
Elnathan Roey,
Spatz Joachim P.,
Brugger Juergen,
Thissen Helmut,
Simpson Kaylene J.,
Voelcker Nicolas H.,
Frith Jessica E.,
Cadarso Victor J.
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
advanced functional materials
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 6.069
H-Index - 322
eISSN - 1616-3028
pISSN - 1616-301X
DOI - 10.1002/adfm.202100881
Subject(s) - nanotechnology , materials science , cell , cell fate determination , cell function , cell type , biochemical engineering , biology , biochemistry , genetics , transcription factor , engineering , gene
Cells can perceive complex mechanical cues across both the micro‐ and nanoscale which can influence their development. While causative effects between surface topography and cellular function can be demonstrated, the variability in materials used in this screening process makes it difficult to discern whether the observed phenotypic changes are indeed a result of topographical cues alone or the inherent difference in material properties. A novel approach to directly imprint micro‐ and nanoscaled topographical features into the base of conventional cell cultureware is thus developed, facilitating its compatibility with standard biological techniques and methods of analysis. The utility of this technology is demonstrated by performing high‐throughput screening across five distinct cell types to interrogate the effects of 12 surface topographies, exemplifying unique cell‐specific responses to both behavior and cell morphological characteristics. The ability of this technology to underpin new insights into how surface topographies can regulate key image descriptors to drive cell fate determination is further demonstrated. These findings will inform the future development of advanced micro‐ and nanostructured cell culture substrates that can regulate cell behavior and fate determination across the life sciences, including fundamental cell biology, drug screening, and cell therapy.