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Alternative SiO2 Surface Direct MDCK Epithelial Behavior.
Alan D Covell1, Zheng Zeng1, Taylor Mabe1
1Department of Nanoscience, Joint School of Nanoscience and Nanoengineering, The University of North Carolina at Greensboro, 2907 East Gate City Blvd., Greensboro, North Carolina 27401, United States.
ACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering
|January 15, 2021
Summary
Cellular behavior and adhesion depend on subtle surface energy differences in SiO2 substrates, not just composition or topography. This impacts cell morphology, adhesion, and extracellular matrix protein expression.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Cell Biology
- Surface Science
Background:
- Cellular mechanical interactions rely on adhesion.
- Epithelial cells (MDCK) are model systems for studying cell-substrate interactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate MDCK cell growth, behavior, and adhesion on different SiO2 substrates.
- Determine the influence of surface energy versus composition and nanotopography on cell responses.
Main Methods:
- Cultured MDCK cells on amorphous glass, ⟨111⟩, and ⟨100⟩ silicon oxide wafers.
- Analyzed cell morphology, cell-cell and cell-substrate adhesion.
- Examined actin organization and extracellular matrix (ECM) protein expression.
- Assessed ECM protein binding to substrates.
Main Results:
- Substrate surface energy significantly altered cell morphology, adhesion, actin organization, and ECM expression.
- ECM protein binding varied across substrates due to hydrogen bond interactions.
- MDCK cell responses were sensitive to subtle surface energy variations, overriding nanotopography and composition effects.
Conclusions:
- Substrate surface energy is a critical factor in controlling cell-substrate interactions.
- Beyond composition and topology, surface energy influences cell behavior and adhesion.
- Consideration of surface energy is vital for understanding and manipulating cell-material interfaces.
