Biomimetic Dextran-Based Hydrogel Layers for Cell Micropatterning over Large Areas Using the FluidFM BOT Technology

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Cell Biology
• Biosensor Technology

Background:

• Micropatterning of living cells is crucial for developing advanced cell-based biosensors.
• Existing methods require specific biomimetic supports and printing technologies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a robust method for micropatterning living mammalian cells on carboxymethyl dextran (CMD) hydrogel layers.
• To create CMD hydrogel layers with optimized thickness for cell adhesion.
• To demonstrate the antifouling properties of CMD surfaces.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication and characterization of CMD hydrogel layers with thicknesses of tens of nanometers.
• Utilizing FluidFM BOT technology for printing cell adhesion mediating cRGDfK peptides.
• In situ optical waveguide lightmode spectroscopy for antifouling assessment.
• Phase contrast microscopy and digital holographic microscopy for analyzing cell patterns and behavior.

Main Results:

• Successfully developed CMD hydrogel layers supporting controlled living cell adhesion.
• Demonstrated excellent antifouling properties of CMD surfaces against model proteins.
• Achieved precise micropatterning of living mammalian cells in various geometries (spot, line, grid) across micrometer to centimeter scales.
• Quantified cell survival and migration on printed cRGDfK peptide patterns.

Conclusions:

• The developed CMD hydrogel-based micropatterning technique using FluidFM BOT is effective for creating complex cell arrangements.
• This method provides a versatile platform for fabricating advanced cell-based biosensors and tissue engineering scaffolds.
• The ability to control cell adhesion and pattern formation at large scales opens new avenues in biosensing applications.