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Nanotopography featured polycaprolactone/polyethyleneoxide microfibers modulate endothelial cell response.
Mehmet Berat Taskin1, Dan Xia, Flemming Besenbacher
1Interdisiplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Aarhus University, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark. menglin@eng.au.dk.
Nanoscale
|June 28, 2017
Summary
Surface nanotopography on polycaprolactone/polyethyleneoxide (PCL/PEO) microfibers enhances human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) proliferation and adhesion complex formation. These 3D-structured materials offer improved cell interactions compared to smooth surfaces.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Cell Biology
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Surface nanotopography significantly influences cell behavior, including adhesion and migration.
- Accurate biological interpretation necessitates nanotopography within a three-dimensional (3D) micro-environment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop tunable surface nanotopographies on macroporous microfibers using immiscible polymer blends.
- To investigate the effect of these nanotopographies on human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) proliferation and adhesion.
Main Methods:
- Electrospinning of polycaprolactone (PCL)/polyethyleneoxide (PEO) blends into a grounded coagulation bath.
- Tuning surface nanotopography by varying PCL/PEO ratios and solvent systems.
- Characterization using chemical composition, crystallinity, and nanomechanical analysis.
- In vitro assessment of HUVEC proliferation and analysis of cell adhesion markers (vinculin, pFAK).
Main Results:
- Successfully fabricated macroporous microfibers with tunable nanotopographic surfaces (submicron grooves to nano-lamellae).
- Nanotheropography significantly promoted HUVEC proliferation compared to smooth films.
- Enhanced nascent adhesion complex formation (vinculin, pFAK) on nanotopography surfaces, even with high PEO content.
Conclusions:
- The interplay between PCL/PEO ratios and solvent systems is crucial for creating specific nanotopographic structures.
- Surface nanotopography on PCL/PEO microfibers effectively enhances endothelial cell adhesion and proliferation.
- These findings highlight the potential of tailored nanotopography for advanced biomaterial applications.
