Surface topography and hydrophilicity regulate macrophage phenotype in milled microfluidic systems

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Cell Biology
• Materials Science

Background:

• Micromilling is a fabrication method for microfluidic platforms suitable for biological applications.
• Micromilled surfaces exhibit greater roughness and variable hydrophilicity compared to commercial platforms.
• Understanding surface characteristics is crucial for cell culture applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of surface topography and hydrophilicity in micromilled microfluidic devices on primary human macrophages.
• To determine how these surface properties influence macrophage phenotype and function.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of microfluidic devices using micromilling.
• Culturing primary human macrophages on surfaces with varying topography and hydrophilicity.
• Assessment of macrophage phenotype and function through cellular analysis.

Main Results:

• Micromilled surface roughness significantly affected macrophage phenotype.
• The impact of surface roughness was modulated by surface hydrophilicity and chemical polarization signals.
• Cellular responses varied depending on the specific combination of surface properties and experimental conditions.

Conclusions:

• Micromilled microfluidic systems are viable for macrophage culture and analysis.
• Surface topography and hydrophilicity are critical factors influencing macrophage phenotype in these devices.
• Careful consideration of surface characteristics is essential for designing and interpreting macrophage experiments involving phenotype.