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Laser Direct Writing via Two-Photon Polymerization of 3D Hierarchical Structures with Cells-Antiadhesive Properties
Irina A Paun1,2, Bogdan S Calin1,2, Cosmin C Mustaciosu3,4
1Center for Advanced Laser Technologies (CETAL), National Institute for Laser, Plasma and Radiation Physics, RO-077125 Magurele-Ilfov, Romania.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|June 2, 2021
Summary
Researchers fabricated novel mushroom-shaped polymer structures using laser direct writing. Nanostructured pillars significantly reduced cell attachment and altered cell shape, demonstrating topography
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Engineering
- Surface Science
- Cellular Biology
Background:
- Developing advanced materials with controlled surface properties is crucial for biomedical applications.
- Hierarchical micro- and nanostructures offer unique platforms for modulating cell-material interactions.
- Laser-based fabrication techniques enable precise control over complex surface topographies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design and fabricate hierarchical mushroom-like structures with cell-repellent properties.
- To investigate the effect of micro- and nanostructured topographies on cell attachment and morphology.
- To understand the role of surface topography versus wettability in governing cell behavior.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of microstructured mushroom-like pillars (MMP) and nanostructured mushroom-like pillars (NMP) using two-photon polymerization (TPP) via laser direct writing.
- Characterization of surface topography and wettability (contact angle measurements).
- Quantification of cell attachment and assessment of cell morphology on fabricated structures and control surfaces.
Main Results:
- Hydrophobic MMP and NMP surfaces were created, contrasting with hydrophilic flat polymer surfaces.
- Nanostructured mushroom-like pillars (NMP) reduced cell attachment by 55%, while microstructured mushroom-like pillars (MMP) reduced it by 21%.
- NMP structures induced a round cell shape with absent phyllopodia, whereas MMP structures preserved native spindle-like cell shapes.
Conclusions:
- Nanostructured mushroom-like pillars (NMP) are more effective than microstructured mushroom-like pillars (MMP) in reducing cell attachment and altering cell morphology.
- Cellular behavior is primarily governed by surface topography rather than wettability.
- These hierarchical structures hold potential for applications requiring controlled cell adhesion, such as in medical implants and tissue engineering scaffolds.
