Non-monotonic cell differentiation pattern on extreme wettability gradients

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Biomaterials Engineering
• Surface Chemistry

Background:

• Biomimetic substrates are crucial for understanding cell-material interactions.
• Controlling surface wettability is key to tailoring biological responses.
• Hierarchical topographies offer unique surface properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To create biomimetic substrates with a wide range of wettability (superhydrophobic to superhydrophilic).
• To fabricate surfaces with a wettability gradient.
• To investigate the impact of wettability and gradients on protein adsorption and cell behavior.

Main Methods:

• Utilized Ar-plasma treatment for controlled surface modification.
• Generated hierarchical micro/nanoscale rough topography.
• Characterized wettability using water contact angle (WCA).
• Assessed fibronectin adsorption and conformation using antibody HFN7.1.
• Evaluated C2C12 myoblast cell response, including myogenic differentiation.

Main Results:

• Achieved tunable wettability from superhydrophobic to superhydrophilic.
• Demonstrated a superhydrophobic-to-superhydrophilic surface gradient.
• Fibronectin conformation showed non-monotonic dependence on wettability, favoring hydrophilic surfaces.
• Cell-binding epitopes were reduced on extreme wetting surfaces.
• Gradient surfaces enhanced cell migration and modulated differentiation compared to uniform surfaces.

Conclusions:

• Biomimetic substrates with tunable wettability can be fabricated using plasma treatment.
• Surface wettability significantly influences protein conformation and cell response.
• Wettability gradients offer distinct biological cues, promoting migration and altering differentiation patterns.