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Photopatterning Proteins and Cells in Aqueous Environment Using TiO2 Photocatalysis
Published on: October 26, 2015
Bio-functionalizing heterogeneous phase activated titanium by multiphoton ionization energy mechanism to harmonize
Sivaprasad Chinnakkannu Vijayakumar1, Krishnan Venkatakrishnan2, Bo Tan3
1Micro/Nanofabrication Facility, Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Ryerson University, 350 Victoria Street, Toronto, ON M5B 2K3, Canada; Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Science and Technology (iBEST), Partnership between Ryerson University and St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON M5B 1W8, Canada.
Researchers used multi-photon ionization to selectively functionalize titanium surfaces, guiding cell growth. This technique successfully aligned mouse fibroblasts and osteoblasts, demonstrating potential for regenerative medicine and biomedical device design.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Cell Biology
- Surface Chemistry
Background:
- Cellular interactions and behavior are influenced by microenvironmental factors like confinement and substrate properties.
- Understanding these dictating mechanisms is vital for regenerative medicine and biomedical device development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel method for selective surface bio-functionalization of titanium substrates for stable cellular confinement.
- To investigate the directionality and proliferative behavior of mouse fibroblasts and osteoblasts under induced confinement.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a multi-photon ionization technique for selective surface bio-functionalization of native titanium.
- Applied selective titanium phase activation to create confined environments for cell culture.
- Examined cell viability using fluorescent assays and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM).
Main Results:
- Selective titanium phase activation successfully guided and aligned mouse fibroblasts and osteoblasts.
- The fabricated surface influenced nuclei and actin cytoskeletal re-arrangement in both cell types.
- Confirmed cell viability of fibroblasts and osteoblasts post-manipulation.
Conclusions:
- Multi-photon ionization offers an elegant mechanism for precise surface bio-functionalization and cellular confinement on titanium.
- Selective titanium phase activation can effectively manipulate cell directionality and alignment.
- This approach holds promise for advancing regenerative medicine and designing advanced biomedical devices.

