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Updated: May 14, 2026

Control of Cell Adhesion using Hydrogel Patterning Techniques for Applications in Traction Force Microscopy
Published on: January 29, 2022
Local control of protein binding and cell adhesion by patterned organic thin films
Frank Meiners1, Inka Plettenberg, Julia Witt
1Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Center of Interface Science, Department of Chemistry, Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, 26111 Oldenburg, Germany.
Abstract:
Control of the cell adhesion and growth on chemically patterned surfaces is important in an increasing number of applications in biotechnology and medicine, for example implants, in-vitro cellular assays, and biochips. This review covers patterning techniques for organic thin films suitable for site-directed guidance of cell adhesion to surfaces. Available surface patterning techniques are critically evaluated, with special emphasis on surface chemistry that can be switched in time and space during cultivation of cells. Examples from the authors' laboratory include the use of cell-repellent self-assembled monolayers (SAM) terminated by oligoethylene glycol (OEG) units and the lifting of the cell repellent properties by use of electrogenerated Br2/HOBr which can be performed with positionable microelectrodes. Structural changes of the SAM were analyzed by polarization-modulated infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy (PM IRRAS). Use of a soft array system of individually addressable microelectrodes enables formation of flexible and complex patterns in a short time and has the potential for further acceleration of probe-induced local manipulation of cell adhesion.
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