Engineering Cell Adhesion and Orientation via Ultrafast Laser Fabricated Microstructured Substrates

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Engineering
• Tissue Engineering
• Cellular Biology

Background:

• Cellular responses to the extracellular environment are crucial for tissue regeneration.
• Micro and nano-scale topographical cues influence cell behavior, including adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation.
• Schwann cells play a vital role in nerve regeneration by guiding axonal regrowth.

Purpose of the Study:

• To fabricate microstructured substrates mimicking topographical cues for Schwann cell guidance.
• To investigate the influence of microstructured substrates on Schwann cell adhesion, proliferation, and orientation.
• To assess the potential of these substrates for neural tissue engineering and dynamic microenvironment systems.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of microstructures (discontinuous microcones on silicon, continuous microgrooves on PET) using ultrashort pulsed laser irradiation.
• Reproduction of silicon microstructures onto poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) via soft lithography.
• Assessment of Schwann cell responses on anisotropic continuous (PET) and discontinuous (PLGA) microstructured polymeric substrates.

Main Results:

• Microstructured substrates with varying roughness and geometrical characteristics were successfully fabricated.
• The micropatterned substrates demonstrated control over Schwann cell adhesion, proliferation, and orientation.
• Engineered cell alignment in vitro was achieved using the developed microstructured substrates.

Conclusions:

• Microstructured substrates are effective tools for engineering Schwann cell alignment in vitro.
• These findings hold potential for advancing neural tissue engineering and creating dynamic in vivo-simulating microenvironment systems.
• The ability to control cell topographical guidance opens avenues for regenerative medicine strategies.