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Cell reactions with biomaterials: the microscopies
1Centre for Cell Engineering, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, Scotland, UK. a.curtis@bio.gla.ac.uk
European Cells & Materials
|October 17, 2003
Summary
Optical microscopy techniques like Interference Reflection Microscopy (IRM) and Total Internal Reflection Fluorescence Microscopy (TIRFM) measure cell-biomaterial interactions. These methods reveal cell-substratum distances, crucial for understanding cell adhesion to biomaterials.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Cell Biology
- Optical Microscopy
Background:
- Observing cell reactions to biomaterials is crucial for developing effective biomedical devices.
- Traditional methods may not provide sufficient detail on cell-substratum interactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and compare optical microscopy techniques for observing cell reactions to biomaterials.
- To highlight the utility of these methods in quantifying cell-substratum distances and contact areas.
Main Methods:
- Interference Reflection Microscopy (IRM)
- Total Internal Reflection Fluorescence Microscopy (TIRFM)
- Surface Plasmon Resonance Microscopy (SPRM)
- Förster Resonance Energy Transfer Microscopy (FRETM)
- Standing Wave Fluorescence Microscopy
- Comparison with electron microscopy techniques.
Main Results:
- Optical methods consistently show cell-substratum distances ranging from 5 to 30 nm.
- Contact area varies significantly (few percent to nearly 100%) based on cell type and biomaterial.
- Discrete focal contacts are frequently observed, with separations around 5 nm.
Conclusions:
- Evanescent wave microscopy techniques (TIRFM, SPRM) are well-suited for studying cell adhesion to biomaterials due to their interface-sensitive physics.
- Optical microscopy provides valuable quantitative data on cell-biomaterial interfaces, complementing electron microscopy.
- Further development of newer techniques like FRETM and Standing Wave Fluorescence Microscopy will enhance understanding of cell-material interactions.
