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Parylene C topographic micropattern as a template for patterning PDMS and Polyacrylamide hydrogel
Ilaria Sanzari1,2, Mauro Callisti3, Antonio De Grazia4
1Nanoelectronics & Nanotechnology Research Group, Department of Electronics and Computer Science, Faculty of Physical Science and Engineering, University of Southampton, University Road, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, United Kingdom. ilaria.sanzari@soton.ac.uk.
Scientific Reports
|July 20, 2017
Summary
This study introduces Parylene C as a novel template for patterning soft materials for cardiac tissue engineering (TE). The method successfully creates micro-patterned scaffolds using polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and polyacrylamide (PAm) hydrogels.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Tissue Engineering
- Polymer Science
Background:
- Parylene C is primarily used as a protective layer for implantable electronics.
- Developing versatile scaffolds for cardiac tissue engineering (TE) is crucial for regenerative medicine.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a new method utilizing Parylene C as a template for patterning soft materials.
- To explore the potential of these patterned materials as scaffolds in cardiac TE.
Main Methods:
- Anisotropic patterning of Parylene C substrates using lithography to create hydrophilic channels and hydrophobic strips.
- Moulding soft polymers like polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and polyacrylamide (PAm) hydrogel onto the patterned Parylene C.
- Characterization of composite substrates and pattern transfer using optical microscopy and fluorescence analysis.
Main Results:
- Fabrication of Parylene C templates with micro-grooves (10 µm width, 1-17 µm depth).
- Successful spin coating of PDMS and printing of PAm hydrogel, achieving topographic and protein pattern transfer.
- The Young's modulus of composite Parylene C/PDMS substrates was approximately half that of pure PDMS.
Conclusions:
- Parylene C can serve as a versatile template for patterning soft materials for TE applications.
- The developed method allows for the creation of biomimetic scaffolds mimicking the extracellular matrix (ECM).
- This approach holds promise for advancing cardiac tissue regeneration strategies.
