Cell culture on MEMS platforms: a review

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Cell Biology
• Microtechnology

Background:

• Microfabricated systems (MEMS) are valuable for cell culture and studying cellular responses.
• MEMS offer advantages like cost-effectiveness, controllability, and high sensitivity over traditional methods.
• Both biocompatible (PMMA, PLGA) and bio-incompatible (silicon, PDMS) materials are used, with the latter requiring surface modification.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review surface modification strategies for improving the biocompatibility of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) materials.
• To cover fundamental concepts of cell-biomaterial interactions, including protein adsorption and cell adhesion.
• To present applications of modified MEMS materials in tissue engineering.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of surface modification techniques for MEMS materials.
• Discussion of principles governing cell-biomaterial interactions.
• Compilation of current applications in tissue engineering.

Main Results:

• Various surface modification strategies exist to enhance the biocompatibility of bio-incompatible MEMS materials like silicon and PDMS.
• Understanding protein adsorption and cell adhesion is crucial for successful cell culture on MEMS.
• Modified MEMS materials show promise for advanced tissue engineering.

Conclusions:

• Surface modification is essential for utilizing bio-incompatible MEMS materials in cell culture and tissue engineering.
• Effective cell adhesion and maintenance on MEMS platforms depend on tailored surface properties.
• MEMS technology, with optimized materials, holds significant potential for advancing tissue engineering.