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Engineering Substrate Topography at the Micro‐ and Nanoscale to Control Cell Function
Author(s) -
Bettinger Christopher J.,
Langer Robert,
Borenstein Jeffrey T.
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
angewandte chemie international edition
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 5.831
H-Index - 550
eISSN - 1521-3773
pISSN - 1433-7851
DOI - 10.1002/anie.200805179
Subject(s) - nanotopography , extracellular matrix , cell adhesion , tissue engineering , cell , nanotechnology , cell migration , cell function , microbiology and biotechnology , materials science , chemistry , biology , genetics , biochemistry
The interaction of mammalian cells with nanoscale topography has proven to be an important signaling modality in controlling cell function. Naturally occurring nanotopographic structures within the extracellular matrix present surrounding cells with mechanotransductive cues that influence local migration, cell polarization, and other functions. Synthetically nanofabricated topography can also influence cell morphology, alignment, adhesion, migration, proliferation, and cytoskeleton organization. We review the use of in vitro synthetic cell–nanotopography interactions to control cell behavior and influence complex cellular processes, including stem‐cell differentiation and tissue organization. Future challenges and opportunities in cell–nanotopography engineering are also discussed, including the elucidation of mechanisms and applications in tissue engineering.