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3D printed submicron patterns orchestrate the response of macrophages
M Nouri-Goushki1, A Isaakidou1, B I M Eijkel1
1Department of Biomechanical Engineering, Faculty of Mechanical, Maritime, and Materials Engineering, Delft University of Technology (TU Delft), Mekelweg 2, 2628 CD, Delft, The Netherlands. m.nourigoushki@tudelft.nl.
Nanoscale
|June 30, 2021
Summary
Engineered surface topographies guide macrophage polarization. Submicron pillars, particularly tall and dense ones, promote a pro-healing M2 macrophage phenotype, crucial for bone tissue regeneration.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Immunology
- Tissue Engineering
Background:
- Surface topography of engineered extracellular matrices is a key regulator of macrophage polarization.
- The influence of submicron (100-1000 nm) topographies on macrophage polarization remains underexplored.
- Submicron topographies are known to promote osteogenic differentiation of stem cells, highlighting the need to understand their immunomodulatory effects for bone regeneration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically investigate the effects of 3D printed submicron pillar topography (height and interspacing) on macrophage polarization.
- To assess the potential of these topographies to modulate the immune response in the context of bone tissue regeneration.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of submicron pillars with varying heights and interspacings using two-photon polymerization (3D printing).
- Culture of macrophages on these engineered surfaces under inflammatory conditions (LPS/IFN-γ).
- Analysis of macrophage morphology (elongation) and expression of key polarization markers (CCR7, CD206).
Main Results:
- Macrophage elongation was most pronounced on taller and denser pillar patterns.
- Sparsely patterned surfaces reduced pro-inflammatory CCR7 expression after 3 days.
- Tall pillars induced a shift from M1 (pro-inflammatory) to M2 (pro-healing) macrophage phenotype, indicated by CD206 expression within 3 days.
Conclusions:
- Submicron pillar topography significantly influences macrophage polarization.
- Specific topographies, characterized by tall and dense pillars, can promote an M2 macrophage phenotype, suggesting potential for pro-healing applications.
- Further research into the osteoimmunomodulatory capacity of these patterns is warranted for optimizing bone tissue regeneration strategies.
