Endothelial cells derived from embryonic stem cells respond to cues from topographical surface patterns

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Cell Biology
• Tissue Engineering

Background:

• Replicating native tissue microenvironments is crucial for understanding cell physiology.
• Endothelial cell (EC) alignment to shear stress is vital in arteries.
• Few studies investigate topographical cues for inducing EC alignment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the alignment of mouse embryonic stem cell-derived endothelial cells (ESC-ECs) on various microchip topographies.
• To investigate the role of nano- and micro-scale topographical features in guiding ESC-EC alignment.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of microchip topographies using gold-coated polystyrene (PS) sheets and acetone etching.
• Generation of 'wrinkled' nano-topographies (15 nm and 30 nm gold) and 'crazed' micro-topographies on PS.
• Culture and observation of ESC-ECs on fabricated topographical surfaces (PDMS microchips).

Main Results:

• ESC-ECs aligned on 320 nm and 510 nm wrinkled topographies and 10.5 μm channels.
• Optimal ESC-EC alignment was observed on wrinkled surfaces and preferentially along the edges of 10.5 μm channels.
• No significant alignment occurred on fully crazed stochastic topographies.

Conclusions:

• Micro- and nano-scale topographical features can effectively guide ESC-EC alignment.
• Wrinkled nano-topographies and specific micro-channels show promise for controlling EC behavior.
• This approach has potential applications in vascular tissue engineering, such as endothelialization of medical devices.