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Simple Inkjet Process To Fabricate Microstructures of Chitinous Nanocrystals for Cell Patterning
Shuntaro Suzuki1, Yoshikuni Teramoto1
1Department of Applied Life Science, Faculty of Applied Biological Sciences, and ‡Center for Highly Advanced Integration of Nano and Life Sciences (G-CHAIN), Gifu University , Gifu 501-1193, Japan.
Biomacromolecules
|May 16, 2017
Summary
Researchers developed chitinous nanocrystal (NC) micropatterns for improved cell adhesion. Inkjet printing of these biocompatible NCs offers new possibilities for controlling cell behavior in biomedical applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Structural polysaccharide nanocrystals (NCs), like cellulose NCs, are gaining attention for their unique properties.
- Expanding the applications of NCs requires simple and effective processing methods that leverage their inherent characteristics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate micropatterning of animal cellular adhesion using chitinous NCs.
- To explore the regulation of deposition form and shape of chitinous NC micromoldings via inkjet printing.
- To enhance the adhesive capability of cells on chitinous substrates.
Main Methods:
- Inkjet printing of aqueous dispersions of cytocompatible chitinous NCs onto cellophane films.
- Alkali deacetylation of chitinous substrates to improve cell adhesion.
- Characterization of nanostructure and crystal form changes after deacetylation.
- Glycolytic recovery of adhered cells.
Main Results:
- Successful micropatterning of cellular adhesion was achieved using inkjet-printed chitinous NCs.
- Alkali deacetylation significantly improved the adhesive capability of mouse fibroblasts onto chitinous substrates.
- Deacetylation maintained rod-like nanostructures while altering the crystal form to chitosan under intensive conditions.
- Adhered cells could be recovered using glycolytic methods.
Conclusions:
- Chitinous NC micropatterning substrates offer a versatile platform for controlling cellular shapes.
- These substrates are suitable for precise monitoring of molecular events in biochemistry.
- The developed method holds potential for applications in drug screening and regenerative medicine.
