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Cell adhesion on glassy scaffolds with a different mechanical response
Shinichiro Shimomura1, Hisao Matsuno, Kazuaki Sanada
1Department of Applied Chemistry, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan. h-matsuno@cstf.kyushu-u.ac.jp k-tanaka@cstf.kyushu-u.ac.jp.
Journal of Materials Chemistry. B
|April 9, 2020
Summary
Fibroblast cells show reduced adhesion on ultrathin poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) films, indicating cells can sense polymer surface stiffness. This cell behavior is linked to the underlying rubbery layer
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Cell Biology
- Polymer Science
Background:
- Cell adhesion is crucial for biological processes.
- The mechanical properties of biomaterials can influence cell behavior.
- Understanding cell-material interactions is key for developing advanced biomedical devices.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of polymer surface stiffness on fibroblast cell adhesion.
- To determine the threshold thickness of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) films influencing cell adhesion.
- To explore the mechanical basis for cell sensing of surface stiffness.
Main Methods:
- Culturing L929 mouse fibroblast cells on bilayer polymer films (PMMA on polyisoprene).
- Varying the thickness of the upper PMMA layer.
- Utilizing finite element analysis to model cellular traction forces and surface shear stress.
Main Results:
- Fibroblast adhesion was significantly suppressed when PMMA film thickness was below 50 nm.
- The reduced adhesion correlated with the apparent softening of the bilayer surface due to the underlying rubbery layer.
- Finite element analysis confirmed the dependence of surface shear stress on PMMA thickness, mirroring cell adhesion patterns.
Conclusions:
- Fibroblast cells can perceive and respond to the stiffness of polymer surfaces at the megapascal (MPa) level.
- The mechanical properties of thin polymer films, influenced by substrate interactions, play a critical role in cell adhesion.
- This study provides insights into mechanotransduction mechanisms at the cell-material interface.
