Topographically induced direct cell mechanotransduction

Combination of positive charges and honeycomb pores to promote MC3T3-E1 cell behaviour

Symmetric poly(l-lactide) (PLLA)-based dendritic l-lysine copolymer, with the PLLA block as the core and the lysine dendrons in the two ends, was prepared through a divergent method. The honeycomb pores on this copolymer film significantly enhanced the MC3T3-E1 cell functions.

Photo-crosslinked hierarchically honeycomb-patterned/macroporous scaffolds of calcium phosphate cement promote MC3T3-E1 cell functions

Novel photo-crosslinked hierarchically honeycomb-patterned/macroporous scaffolds of calcium phosphate cement were fabricated through a facile process using a breath-figure method. MC3T3-E1 cell functions were significantly enhanced on these scaffolds compared to others.

Enhanced osseointegration of titanium implants with nanostructured surfaces: an experimental study in rabbits

Titanium and its alloys are commonly used for dental implants because of their good mechanical properties and biocompatibility. The surface properties of titanium implants are key factors for rapid and stable bone tissue integration. Micro-rough surfaces are commonly prepared by grit-blasting and acid-etching. However, proteins and cells interact with implant surfaces in the nanometer range. The aim of this study was to compare the osseointegration of machined (MA), standard alumina grit-blasted and acid-etched (MICRO) and nanostructured (NANO) implants in rabbit femurs. The MICRO surface exhibited typical random cavities with an average roughness of 1.5 μm, while the NANO surface consisted of a regular array of titanium oxide nanotubes 37±11 nm in diameter and 160 nm thick. The MA and NANO surfaces had a similar average roughness of 0.5 μm. The three groups of implants were inserted into the femoral condyles of New Zealand White rabbits. After 4 weeks, the pull-out test gave higher values for the NANO than for the other groups. Histology corroborated a direct apposition of bone tissue on to the NANO surface. Both the bone-to-implant contact and bone growth values were higher for the NANO than for the other implant surfaces. Overall, this study shows that the nanostructured surface improved the osseointegration of titanium implants and may be an alternative to conventional grit-blasted and acid-etched surface treatments.

Micropatterned coumarin polyester thin films direct neurite orientation

Guidance and migration of cells in the nervous system is imperative for proper development, maturation, and regeneration. In the peripheral nervous system (PNS), it is challenging for axons to bridge critical-sized injury defects to achieve repair and the central nervous system (CNS) has a very limited ability to regenerate after injury because of its innate injury response. The photoreactivity of the coumarin polyester used in this study enables efficient micropatterning using a custom digital micromirror device (DMD) and has been previously shown to be biodegradable, making these thin films ideal for cell guidance substrates with potential for future in vivo applications. With DMD, we fabricated coumarin polyester thin films into 10×20 μm and 15×50 μm micropatterns with depths ranging from 15 to 20 nm to enhance nervous system cell alignment. Adult primary neurons, oligodendrocytes, and astrocytes were isolated from rat brain tissue and seeded onto the polymer surfaces. After 24 h, cell type and neurite alignment were analyzed using phase contrast and fluorescence imaging. There was a significant difference (p<0.0001) in cell process distribution for both emergence angle (from the body of the cell) and orientation angle (at the tip of the growth cone) confirming alignment on patterned surfaces compared to control substrates (unpatterned polymer and glass surfaces). The expected frequency distribution for parallel alignment (≤15°) is 14% and the two micropatterned groups ranged from 42 to 49% alignment for emergence and orientation angle measurements, where the control groups range from 12 to 22% for parallel alignment. Despite depths being 15 to 20 nm, cell processes could sense these topographical changes and preferred to align to certain features of the micropatterns like the plateau/channel interface. As a result this initial study in utilizing these new DMD micropatterned coumarin polyester thin films has proven beneficial as an axon guidance platform for future nervous system regenerative strategies.

Involvement of ILK/ERK1/2 and ILK/p38 pathways in mediating the enhanced osteoblast differentiation by micro/nanotopography

The hierarchical micro/nanotextured topography (MNT) on titanium (Ti) implant surface significantly enhances osteoblast differentiation. We have demonstrated that integrin-linked kinase (ILK) is a key underlying signal molecule and β-catenin is one of its downstream mediators in MNT-regulated osteoblast behavior. Here we propose that mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), including extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), p38 and c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK), are other mediators downstream of ILK, and this study aims to confirm this. Firstly, the levels of ILK and MAPK activity in MG63 cells on MNT are examined by Western blot analysis. The ILK, ERK1/2 and p38 signals are significantly up-regulated by MNT, whereas the JNK activity is undetectable by Western blot. The MG63 cell morphology, proliferation and differentiation are studied in the absence and presence of the MAPK subgroup inhibitors to confirm their roles in cell functions on the Ti surface. The MAPK subgroup inhibitors obviously change the cell shape and depress cell proliferation. Blocking the ERK1/2 or p38 signaling, but not the JNK signaling, significantly down-regulates the cell osteogenesis-related gene expression, ALP production, collagen secretion and matrix mineralization. Afterwards, the ILK expression is down-regulated using ILK-specific siRNA (ILKsi) and then the MAPK activity is determined. ILKsi significantly attenuates the phosphorylated ERK1/2 and p38 levels on MNT, explicitly demonstrating that the ERK1/2 and p38 signalings are downstream effectors of ILK. In conclusion, these data demonstrate that both ILK/ERK1/2 and ILK/p38 pathways are involved in the mechanisms mediating the enhanced osteoblast differentiation by biomaterial surface topography, hopefully directing the biomaterial modification and biofunctionalization.

Planar microdevices enhance transport of large molecular weight molecules across retinal pigment epithelial cells

Large molecular weight drug delivery to the posterior eye is challenging due to cellular barriers that hinder drug transport. Understanding how to enhance transport across the retinal barrier is important for the design of new drug delivery systems. A novel mechanism to enhance drug transport is the use of geometric properties, which has not been extensively explored in the retina. Planar SU-8/Poly(ethyleneglycol)dimethacrylate microdevices were constructed using photolithography to deliver FITC dextran across an in vitro retinal model. The model consists of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells grown to confluence on transwell inserts, which provides an environment to investigate the influence of geometry on paracellular and transcellular delivery of encapsulated large molecules. Planar microdevices enhanced transport of large molecular weight dextrans across different models of RPE in a size dependent fashion. Increased drug permeation across the RPE was observed with the addition of microdevices as compared to a traditional bolus of FITC dextran. This phenomena was initiated by a non-toxic interaction between the microdevices and the retinal tight junction proteins. Suggesting that increased drug transport occurs via a paracellular pathway. These experiments provide evidence to support the future use of planar unidirectional microdevices for delivery of biologics in ocular applications.

Improving osseointegration of Co-Cr by nanostructured titanium coatings

This study reports the deposition of nanostructured Ti films on Co-Cr substrates to improve their surface characteristics and biocompatibility. The microstructure of the Ti films was controlled by application of negative substrate bias voltages. The surface roughness of Co-Cr implants was increased significantly after Ti coatings. The nanostructured Ti films are found to improve osteointergration of Co-Cr implants as indicated by enhancing cellular attachment, proliferation and differentiation, which was attributed mainly to the application of a biocompatible Ti coating, possessed a higher surface area for cell attachments and growth.

Osteoconductive potential of barrier nanoSiO2 PLGA membranes functionalized by plasma enhanced chemical vapour deposition

The possibility of tailoring membrane surfaces with osteoconductive potential, in particular in biodegradable devices, to create modified biomaterials that stimulate osteoblast response should make them more suitable for clinical use, hopefully enhancing bone regeneration. Bioactive inorganic materials, such as silica, have been suggested to improve the bioactivity of synthetic biopolymers. An in vitro study on HOB human osteoblasts was performed to assess biocompatibility and bioactivity of SiO₂ functionalized poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) membranes, prior to clinical use. A 15 nm SiO₂ layer was deposited by plasma enhanced chemical vapour deposition (PECVD), onto a resorbable PLGA membrane. Samples were characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). HOB cells were seeded on sterilized test surfaces where cell morphology, spreading, actin cytoskeletal organization, and focal adhesion expression were assessed. As proved by the FT-IR analysis of samples, the deposition by PECVD of the SiO₂ onto the PLGA membrane did not alter the composition and other characteristics of the organic membrane. A temporal and spatial reorganization of cytoskeleton and focal adhesions and morphological changes in response to SiO₂ nanolayer were identified in our model. The novedous SiO₂ deposition method is compatible with the standard sterilization protocols and reveals as a valuable tool to increase bioactivity of resorbable PLGA membranes.

Insights into the coassembly of hydrogelators and surfactants based on aromatic peptide amphiphiles

The coassembly of small molecules is a useful means of increasing the complexity and functionality of their resultant supramolecular constructs in a modular fashion. In this study, we explore the assembly and coassembly of serine surfactants and tyrosine-leucine hydrogelators, capped at the N-termini with either fluorenyl-9-methoxycarbonyl (Fmoc) or pyrene. These systems all exhibit self-assembly behavior, which is influenced by aromatic stacking interactions, while the hydrogelators also exhibit β-sheet-type arrangements, which reinforce their supramolecular structures. We provide evidence for three distinct supramolecular coassembly models; cooperative, disruptive, and orthogonal. The coassembly mode adopted depends on whether the individual constituents (I) are sufficiently different, such that effective segregation and orthogonal assembly occurs; (II) adhere to a communal mode of self-assembly; or (III) act to compromise the assembly of one another via incorporation and disruption. We find that a greater scope for controllable coassembly exists within orthogonal systems; which show minimal relative changes in the native gelator's supramolecular structure by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), circular dichroism (CD), and fluorescence spectroscopy. This is indicative of the segregation of orthogonal coassembly constituents into distinct domains, where surfactant chemical functionality is presented at the surface of the gelator's supramolecular fibers. Overall, this work provides new insights into the design of modular coassembly systems, which have the potential to augment the chemical and physical properties of existing gelator systems.

Tantalum coating on TiO2 nanotubes induces superior rate of matrix mineralization and osteofunctionality in human osteoblasts

Nanostructured surface geometries have been the focus of a multitude of recent biomaterial research, and exciting findings have been published. However, only a few publications have directly compared nanostructures of various surface chemistries. The work herein directly compares the response of human osteoblast cells to surfaces of identical nanotube geometries with two well-known orthopedic biomaterials: titanium oxide (TiO2) and tantalum (Ta). The results reveal that the Ta surface chemistry on the nanotube architecture enhances alkaline phosphatase activity, and promotes a ~30% faster rate of matrix mineralization and bone-nodule formation when compared to results on bare TiO2 nanotubes. This study implies that unique combinations of surface chemistry and nanostructure may influence cell behavior due to distinctive physico-chemical properties. These findings are of paramount importance to the orthopedics field for understanding cell behavior in response to subtle alterations in nanostructure and surface chemistry, and will enable further insight into the complex manipulation of biomaterial surfaces. With increased focus in the field of orthopedic materials research on nanostructured surfaces, this study emphasizes the need for careful and systematic review of variations in surface chemistry in concurrence with nanotopographical changes.

Effect of membrane stiffness and cytoskeletal element density on mechanical stimuli within cells: an analysis of the consequences of ageing in cells

A finite element model of a single cell was created and used to compute the biophysical stimuli generated within a cell under mechanical loading. Major cellular components were incorporated in the model: the membrane, cytoplasm, nucleus, microtubules, actin filaments, intermediate filaments, nuclear lamina and chromatin. The model used multiple sets of tensegrity structures. Viscoelastic properties were assigned to the continuum components. To corroborate the model, a simulation of atomic force microscopy indentation was performed and results showed a force/indentation simulation with the range of experimental results. A parametric analysis of both increasing membrane stiffness (thereby modelling membrane peroxidation with age) and decreasing density of cytoskeletal elements (thereby modelling reduced actin density with age) was performed. Comparing normal and aged cells under indentation predicts that aged cells have a lower membrane area subjected to high strain as compared with young cells, but the difference, surprisingly, is very small and may not be measurable experimentally. Ageing is predicted to have a more significant effect on strain deep in the nucleus. These results show that computation of biophysical stimuli within cells are achievable with single-cell computational models; correspondence between computed and measured force/displacement behaviours provides a high-level validation of the model. Regarding the effect of ageing, the models suggest only small, although possibly physiologically significant, differences in internal biophysical stimuli between normal and aged cells.

Biophysical regulation of stem cell differentiation

Bone adaptation to its mechanical environment, from embryonic through adult life, is thought to be the product of increased osteoblastic differentiation from mesenchymal stem cells. In parallel with tissue-scale loading, these heterogeneous populations of multipotent stem cells are subject to a variety of biophysical cues within their native microenvironments. Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells-the most broadly studied source of osteoblastic progenitors-undergo osteoblastic differentiation in vitro in response to biophysical signals, including hydrostatic pressure, fluid flow and accompanying shear stress, substrate strain and stiffness, substrate topography, and electromagnetic fields. Furthermore, stem cells may be subject to indirect regulation by mechano-sensing osteocytes positioned to more readily detect these same loading-induced signals within the bone matrix. Such paracrine and juxtacrine regulation of differentiation by osteocytes occurs in vitro. Further studies are needed to confirm both direct and indirect mechanisms of biophysical regulation within the in vivo stem cell niche.

Nanostructure-mediated transport of biologics across epithelial tissue: enhancing permeability via nanotopography

Herein, we demonstrate that nanotopographical cues can be utilized to enable biologics >66 kDa to be transported across epithelial monolayers. When placed in contact with epithelial monolayers, nanostructured thin films loosen the epithelial barrier and allow for significantly increased transport of FITC-albumin, FITC-IgG, and a model therapeutic, etanercept. Our work highlights the potential to use drug delivery systems which incorporate nanotopography to increase the transport of biologics across epithelial tissue.

Partial Blindness to Submicron Topography in NF1 Haploinsufficient Cultured Fibroblasts Indicates a New Function of Neurofibromin in Regulation of Mechanosensoric

Cells sense physical properties of their extracellular environment and translate them into biochemical signals. In this study, cell responses to surfaces with submicron topographies were investigated in cultured human NF1 haploinsufficient fibroblasts. Age-matched fibroblasts from 8 patients with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1(+/-)) and 9 controls (NF1(+/+)) were cultured on surfaces with grooves of 200 nm height and lateral distance of 2 μm. As cellular response indicator, the mean cell orientation along microstructured grooves was systematically examined. The tested NF1 haploinsufficient fibroblasts were significantly less affected by the topography than those from healthy donors. Incubation of the NF1(+/-) fibroblasts with the farnesyltransferase inhibitor FTI-277 and other inhibitors of the neurofibromin pathway ameliorates significantly the cell orientation. These data indicate that NF1 haploinsufficiency results in an altered response to specific surface topography in fibroblasts. We suggest a new function of neurofibromin in the sensoric mechanism to topographies and a partial mechanosensoric blindness by NF1 haploinsufficiency.

Microarray with micro- and nano-topographies enables identification of the optimal topography for directing the differentiation of primary murine neural progenitor cells

During development and tissue repair, progenitor cells are guided by both biochemical and biophysical cues of their microenvironment, including topographical signals. The topographical cues have been shown to play an important role in controlling the fate of cells. Systematic investigation of topographical structures with different geometries and sizes under the identical experimental conditions on the same chip will enhance the understanding of the role of shape and size in cell-topography interactions. A simple customizable multi-architecture chip (MARC) array is therefore developed to incorporate, on a single chip, distinct topographies of various architectural complexities, including both isotropic and anisotropic features, in nano- to micrometer dimensions, with different aspect ratios and hierarchical structures. Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) replicas of MARC are used to investigate the influence of different geometries and sizes in neural differentiation of primary murine neural progenitor cells (mNPCs). Anisotropic gratings (2 μm gratings, 250 nm gratings) and isotropic 1 μm pillars significantly promote differentiation of mNPCs into neurons, as indicated by expression of β-III-tubulin (59%, 58%, and 58%, respectively, compared to 30% on the control). In contrast, glial differentiation is enhanced on isotropic 2 μm holes and 1 μm pillars. These results illustrate that anisotropic topographies enhance neuronal differentiation while isotropic topographies enhance glial differentiation on the same chip under the same conditions. MARC enables simultaneous cost-effective investigation of multiple topographies, allowing efficient optimization of topographical and biochemical cues to modulate cell differentiation.

Regulating MC3T3-E1 cells on deformable poly(ε-caprolactone) honeycomb films prepared using a surfactant-free breath figure method in a water-miscible solvent

Honeycomb poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) films with tunable pore diameters of 3.5, 6.0, and 10 μm were fabricated directly from solutions in water-miscible, relatively nontoxic tetrahydrofuran using the breath-figure method without assistance of a surfactant. These honeycomb PCL films were characterized in terms of structures and enhanced hydrophobicity. Aiming at fostering bone tissue engineering outcomes, we cultured mouse preosteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells on these honeycomb films as well as on the flat control, and evaluated their adhesion, spreading, proliferation, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, and calcium content. These cell behaviors were further correlated with the expression levels of integrin subunits of α(1), α(2), β(1), and bone-specific gene markers of ALP, collagen type I (COL I), osteocalcin (OCN), and osteopontin (OPN). Honeycomb PCL films remarkably promoted MC3T3-E1 cell adhesion, spreading, proliferation, differentiation, and gene expression. This effect was more prominent when the pore diameter was smaller in the studied range. In addition, honeycomb PCL films were stretched into groove-like structures, on which MC3T3-E1 cells were aligned with a smaller cell area, a higher percentage of aligned cells, and a higher cell elongation ratio when the pores were smaller.

Light induced hydrophilicity and osteoblast adhesion promotion on amorphous TiO2

We have studied the effect of the UV induced superhydrophilic wetting of TiO(2) thin films on the osteoblasts cell adhesion and cytoskeletal organization on its surface. To assess any effect of the photo-catalytic removal of adventitious carbon as a factor for the enhancement of the osteoblast development, 100 nm amorphous TiO(2) thin layers were deposited on polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a substrate well known for its poor adhesion and limited wettability and biocompatibility. The TiO(2) /PET materials were characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and atomic force microscopy and their wetting behavior under light illumination studied by the sessile drop method. The amorphous TiO(2) thin films showed a very poor photo-catalytic activity even if becoming superhydrophilic after illumination. The illuminated samples recovered partially its initial hydrophobic state only after their storage in the dark for more than 20 days. Osteoblasts (HOB) were seeded both on bare PET and on TiO(2) /PET samples immediately after illumination and also after four weeks storage in darkness. Cell attachment was much more efficient on the immediately illuminated TiO(2)/PET samples, with development of focal adhesions and cell traction forces. Although we cannot completely discard some photo-catalytic carbon removal as a factor contributing to this cell enhanced attachment, our photodegradation experiments on amorphous TiO(2) are conclusive to dismiss this effect as the major cause for this behavior.

ELECTROHYDRODYNAMIC PROCESSING OF CALCIUM PHOSPHATES: COATING AND PATTERNING FOR MEDICAL IMPLANTS

Hydroxyapatite (HA)-coated metallic prostheses, which combine the osteoconductivity of HA and high strength of metallic alloys, have been increasingly the choice of joint replacement prostheses by surgeons as the general population lives longer. Surface modification of metallic implant surfaces is one of the key focal points to implantation technology. In addition to material chemistry, surface topography has been found to positively impact cellular response and is able to enhance the life time of the implant. Recently, a new technique, template-assisted electrohydrodynamic atomization (TAEA) spraying, developed using the principles of electrohydrodynamic atomization spraying, which is an electrically driven jet-based deposition method, is of considerable interest in surface topography formation. The process offers the attractive advantages of compatibility with micro-fabrication technology and versatility in pattern specification for advanced implant designs. This technology incorporates nanosized calcium phosphate to mimic the size and chemical composition of bone mineral in a micrometer-dimension pattern configuration to guide cellular responses. In vitro studies showed that both pillar and track nano Silicon-substituted HA (SiHA) patterns were able to encourage the attachment and growth of osteoblast cells, the track patterns provided the favourite surface for the initial cell attachment while a fast cell proliferation rate was found on the pillar pattern from day 1 to day 5 in comparison with that of a SiHA-coated surface. The alignment of actin cytoskeleton of osteoblast cells matched the orientation of the entire cell. The shear peel strength of the patterned interlocking nano-HA coating was found to be at least an order of magnitude higher than the conventional HA coating. Therefore, TAEA offers great potential for producing new coatings with a tailored surface topography, on both the micro- and nano-scale in a more cost effective way to enhance the performance of medical implants.

Tuning multi/pluri-potent stem cell fate by electrospun poly(L-lactic acid)-calcium-deficient hydroxyapatite nanocomposite mats

In this study, we investigated whether multipotent (human-bone-marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells [hBM-MSCs]) and pluripotent stem cells (murine-induced pluripotent stem cells [iPSCs] and murine embryonic stem cells [ESCs]) respond to nanocomposite fibrous mats of poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) loaded with 1 or 8 wt % of calcium-deficient nanohydroxyapatite (d-HAp). Remarkably, the dispersion of different amounts of d-HAp to PLLA produced a set of materials (PLLA/d-HAp) with similar architectures and tunable mechanical properties. After 3 weeks of culture in the absence of soluble osteogenic factors, we observed the expression of osteogenic markers, including the deposition of bone matrix proteins, in multi/pluripotent cells only grown on PLLA/d-HAp nanocomposites, whereas the osteogenic differentiation was absent on stem-cell-neat PLLA cultures. Interestingly, this phenomenon was confined only in hBM-MSCs, murine iPSCs, and ESCs grown on direct contact with the PLLA/d-HAp mats. Altogether, these results indicate that the osteogenic differentiation effect of these electrospun PLLA/d-HAp nanocomposites was independent of the stem cell type and highlight the direct interaction of stem cell-polymeric nanocomposite and the mechanical properties acquired by the PLLA/d-HAp nanocomposites as key steps for the differentiation process.

How morphological constraints affect axonal polarity in mouse neurons

Neuronal differentiation is under the tight control of both biochemical and physical information arising from neighboring cells and micro-environment. Here we wished to assay how external geometrical constraints applied to the cell body and/or the neurites of hippocampal neurons may modulate axonal polarization in vitro. Through the use of a panel of non-specific poly-L-lysine micropatterns, we manipulated the neuronal shape. By applying geometrical constraints on the cell body we provided evidence that centrosome location was not predictive of axonal polarization but rather follows axonal fate. When the geometrical constraints were applied to the neurites trajectories we demonstrated that axonal specification was inhibited by curved lines. Altogether these results indicated that intrinsic mechanical tensions occur during neuritic growth and that maximal tension was developed by the axon and expressed on straight trajectories. The strong inhibitory effect of curved lines on axon specification was further demonstrated by their ability to prevent formation of multiple axons normally induced by cytochalasin or taxol treatments. Finally we provided evidence that microtubules were involved in the tension-mediated axonal polarization, acting as curvature sensors during neuronal differentiation. Thus, biomechanics coupled to physical constraints might be the first level of regulation during neuronal development, primary to biochemical and guidance regulations.

TiO2 nanotubes for bone regeneration

Nanostructured materials are believed to play a fundamental role in orthopedic research because bone itself has a structural hierarchy at the first level in the nanometer regime. Here, we report on titanium oxide (TiO(2)) surface nanostructures utilized for orthopedic implant considerations. Specifically, the effects of TiO(2) nanotube surfaces for bone regeneration will be discussed. This unique 3D tube shaped nanostructure created by electrochemical anodization has profound effects on osteogenic cells and is stimulating new avenues for orthopedic material surface designs. There is a growing body of data elucidating the benefits of using TiO(2) nanotubes for enhanced orthopedic implant surfaces. The current trends discussed within foreshadow the great potential of TiO(2) nanotubes for clinical use.

Effect of nanogroove geometry on adipogenic differentiation

We present the effect of nanotopographically defined surfaces on adipocyte differentiation using various nanogroove patterns. Parallel nanogroove arrays with equal inter-groove distance (400, 550, 800 nm width) and varying distances (550 nm width with three different spacings of 550, 1100, and 2750 nm) were fabricated by UV-assisted capillary force lithography (CFL) on 18 mm diameter glass coverslips using biocompatible polyurethane (PU)-based material. After coating with fibronectin and subsequent culture of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes, the degree of adipocyte differentiation was determined by Oil Red O staining and adipogenic gene expression. We observed that adipocyte differentiation was slightly but substantially affected by culture on various nanogrooved surfaces. In particular, the cell crawling into nanogrooves contributed substantially to an enhanced level of differentiation with higher contact guidance, suggesting that cell-to-surface interactions would play a role for the adipocyte differentiation.

The involvement of integrin β1 signaling in the migration and myofibroblastic differentiation of skin fibroblasts on anisotropic collagen-containing nanofibers

Utilization of nanofibrous matrices for skin wound repair holds great promise due to their morphological and dimensional similarity to native extracellular matrix (ECM). It becomes highly desired to understand how various nanofibrous matrices regulate skin cell behaviors and intracellular signaling pathways, important to tuning the functionality of tissue-engineered skin grafts and affecting the wound healing process. In this study, the phenotypic expressions of normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDFs) on collagen-containing nanofibrous matrices with either isotropic (i.e., fibers collected randomly with no alignment) or anisotropic (i.e., fibers collected with alignment) fiber organizations were studied by immunostaining, migration assay and molecular analyses. Results showed that both nanofibrous matrices supported the attachment and growth of NHDFs similarly, while showing different cell morphology with distinct variation in focal adhesion formation and distribution. Anisotropic nanofibers significantly triggered the integrin β1 signaling pathway in NHDFs as evidenced by an increase of active integrin β1 (130 kD mature form) and phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) at Tyr-397. Anisotropic matrices also promoted the migration of NHDFs along the fibers, while neutralization of the integrin β1 activity abolished this promotion. Moreover, the fibroblast-to-myofibroblast differentiation was greatly enhanced for the NHDFs cultured on anisotropic nanofibrous matrices over a period of 48 h. Inhibition of cellular integrin β1 activity by neutralizing antibody eliminated this enhancement. These findings suggest the important role of integrin β1 signaling pathway in regulating the nanofiber-induced fibroblast phenotypic alteration and providing insightful understanding of the possible application of collagen-containing nanofibrous matrices for skin regeneration.

Effects of surface nano-topography on human osteoblast filopodia

Anchorage-dependent cells growing over a substratum require stable adhesion areas on the surface for the next cellular activities. The adhesion is achieved by some contact points called focal adhesions. Because focal adhesions were distributed randomly, a trial to control the positions of focal adhesion with a specific order may cause interesting effects like as cytoskeleton rearrangement, which may induce and transfer new signals to the nucleus. Here, we cultured human osteoblasts over two sorts of nanopatterned surfaces with different pattern densities fabricated by using laser interference lithography and the nanoimprinting technique. Of the two nanopatterns, cells over the nanopattern with low pattern density showed relatively higher adaptation to the topography with guided filopodia protrusion. However, cells over the dense nanopattern showed difficulty in finding suitable paths for migration, as judged from the activities of filopodium formation and the presence of a shovel-like feature at the tip of each filopodium.

Fibronectin distribution on demixed nanoscale topographies

PURPOSE

It is known that surface nanotopography influences cell adhesion and differentiation. Our aim is to analyze the effect of nanoscale topography on fibronectin adsorption and, afterwards, on cell adhesion in order to rationalize the cell-material interaction by focusing on the state of the intermediate layer of adsorbed fibronectin at the material interphase.

METHODS

Nanotopographic surfaces were produced by demixing of thin film polymer blends - PLLA and PS - during a high speed spin-casting process. Fibronectin (FN) was adsorbed on the different nanotopographies and the protein distribution was directly observed by atomic force microscopy (AFM). The fraction of the surface covered by the protein was quantified by image analysis, as well as the distribution of FN between peaks and valleys. Focal adhesion protein -vinculin- was immunostained and quantified by image analysis on the different nanoscale surfaces.

RESULTS

Different nanoscale domains were obtained by changing the composition of the system within a height range of 3 nm to 30 nm. FN tends to adsorb on the peaks of nanoisland topographies, especially in compositions that did not enhance cell adhesion. Moreover, protein distribution between valleys and peaks alters the size of focal adhesion plaques, which grew larger on surfaces with an even distribution of fibronectin.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that the surface nanotopography is a key material property capable of influencing protein adsorption. Additionally, the distribution of the protein on the different samples was correlated to the initial ability of cells to adhere in terms of the size of the focal plaques.

Relative influence of surface topography and surface chemistry on cell response to bone implant materials. Part 1: physico-chemical effects

Knowledge of the complexity of cell-material interactions is essential for the future of biomaterials and tissue engineering, but we are still far from achieving a clear understanding, as illustrated in this review. Many factors of the cellular or the material aspect influence these interactions and must be controlled systematically during experiments. On the material side, it is essential to illustrate surface topography by parameters describing the roughness amplitude as well as the roughness organization, and at the scales pertinent for the cell response, i.e., from the nano-scale to the micro-scale. Authors interested in this field must be careful to develop surfaces or methods systematically, allowing perfect control of the relative influences of surface topography and surface chemistry.

Selective axonal growth of embryonic hippocampal neurons according to topographic features of various sizes and shapes

Purpose

Understanding how surface features influence the establishment and outgrowth of the axon of developing neurons at the single cell level may aid in designing implantable scaffolds for the regeneration of damaged nerves. Past studies have shown that micropatterned ridge-groove structures not only instigate axon polarization, alignment, and extension, but are also preferred over smooth surfaces and even neurotrophic ligands.

Methods

Here, we performed axonal-outgrowth competition assays using a proprietary four-quadrant topography grid to determine the capacity of various micropatterned topographies to act as stimuli sequestering axon extension. Each topography in the grid consisted of an array of microscale (approximately 2 μm) or submicroscale (approximately 300 nm) holes or lines with variable dimensions. Individual rat embryonic hippocampal cells were positioned either between two juxtaposing topographies or at the borders of individual topographies juxtaposing unpatterned smooth surface, cultured for 24 hours, and analyzed with respect to axonal selection using conventional imaging techniques.

Results

Topography was found to influence axon formation and extension relative to smooth surface, and the distance of neurons relative to topography was found to impact whether the topography could serve as an effective cue. Neurons were also found to prefer submicroscale over microscale features and holes over lines for a given feature size.

Conclusion

The results suggest that implementing physical cues of various shapes and sizes on nerve guidance conduits and other advanced biomaterial scaffolds could help stimulate axon regeneration.

In vitro biocompatibility and mechanical performance of titanium doped high calcium oxide metaphosphate-based glasses

This study challenged to produce phosphate-based glasses (PBG) for the treatment of osseous defects. The glasses contained, among other components, 40 mol% CaO and 1–5 mol% TiO₂. The mechanical performance and in vitro biocompatibility using both human osteosarcoma and primary osteoblasts were carried out. Incorporation of TiO₂ into PBG had no significant effect on strength and modulus. These glasses encouraged attachment and maintained high viability of osteosarcoma cells similar to the positive control surface. Cells grown directly (on glasses) or indirectly (in the presence of glass extracts) showed similar proliferation pattern to the positive control cells with no significant effect of TiO₂ detected. Increasing TiO₂ content, however, has a profound effect on cytoskeleton organization and spreading and maturation of primary osteoblasts. It is believed that TiO₂ might have acted as a chemical cue-modulating cells response, and hence the substrates supported maturation/mineralization of the primary osteoblasts.

A biodegradable and biocompatible regular nanopattern for large-scale selective cell growth

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.

Relative influence of surface topography and surface chemistry on cell response to bone implant materials. Part 2: Biological aspects

A current medical challenge is the replacement of tissue which can be thought of in terms of bone tissue engineering approaches. The key problem in bone tissue engineering lies in associating bone stem cells with material supports or scaffolds that can be implanted in a patient. Beside bone tissue engineering approaches, these types of materials are used daily in orthopaedics and dental practice as permanent or transitory implants such as ceramic bone filling materials or metallic prostheses. Consequently, it is essential to better understand how bone cells interact with materials. For several years, the current authors and others have developed in vitro studies in order to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the response of human bone cells to implant surfaces. This paper reviews the current state of knowledge and proposes future directions for research in this domain.

Topography, cell response, and nerve regeneration

In the body, cells encounter a complex milieu of signals, including topographical cues, in the form of the physical features of their surrounding environment. Imposed topography can affect cells on surfaces by promoting adhesion, spreading, alignment, morphological changes, and changes in gene expression. Neural response to topography is complex, and it depends on the dimensions and shapes of physical features. Looking toward repair of nerve injuries, strategies are being explored to engineer guidance conduits with precise surface topographies. How neurons and other cell types sense and interpret topography remains to be fully elucidated. Studies reviewed here include those of topography on cellular organization and function as well as potential cellular mechanisms of response.

The interaction of cells and bacteria with surfaces structured at the nanometre scale

The current development of nanobiotechnologies requires a better understanding of cell-surface interactions on the nanometre scale. Recently, advances in nanoscale patterning and detection have allowed the fabrication of appropriate substrates and the study of cell-substrate interactions. In this review we discuss the methods currently available for nanoscale patterning and their merits, as well as techniques for controlling the surface chemistry of materials at the nanoscale without changing the nanotopography and the possibility of truly characterizing the surface chemistry at the nanoscale. We then discuss the current knowledge of how a cell can interact with a substrate at the nanoscale and the effect of size, morphology, organization and separation of nanofeatures on cell response. Moreover, cell-substrate interactions are mediated by the presence of proteins adsorbed from biological fluids on the substrate. Many questions remain on the effect of nanotopography on protein adsorption. We review papers related to this point. As all these parameters have an influence on cell response, it is important to develop specific studies to point out their relative influence, as well as the biological mechanisms underlying cell responses to nanotopography. This will be the basis for future research in this field. An important topic in tissue engineering is the effect of nanoscale topography on bacteria, since cells have to compete with bacteria in many environments. The limited current knowledge of this topic is also discussed in the light of using topography to encourage cell adhesion while limiting bacterial adhesion. We also discuss current and prospective applications of cell-surface interactions on the nanoscale. Finally, based on questions raised previously that remain to be solved in the field, we propose future directions of research in materials science to help elucidate the relative influence of the physical and chemical aspects of nanotopography on bacteria and cell response with the aim of contributing to the development of nanobiotechnologies.