Amphiphilic cationic cyclodextrin nanovesicles: a versatile cue for guiding cell adhesion.

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Amphiphilic cationic β-cyclodextrins (amβCDs) form stimuli-responsive nanovesicles.
• These nanovesicles can be patterned onto surfaces using soft lithography.
• This offers a method to control cellular environments and cell fate.

Purpose of the Study:

• To fabricate geometrically functionalized surfaces using amβCD nanovesicles.
• To achieve multiscale control over the cell environment.
• To investigate cell guidance and internalization on these patterned surfaces.

Main Methods:

• Lithographically controlled wetting (LCW) was employed to pattern amβCD nanovesicles loaded with fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC).
• Surface energy and substrate hydrophobicity influenced amβCD orientation.
• Large-scale patterning was assessed via FITC fluorescence, and nanoscale structure was analyzed using atomic force microscopy (AFM).

Main Results:

• Geometrically functionalized surfaces were successfully fabricated.
• amβCD functionalization orientation was dependent on substrate surface energy.
• Human neuroblastoma SHSY5Y cells exhibited guided behavior and internalization of amβCD/FITC nanovesicles.

Conclusions:

• Patterned amβCD nanovesicles provide a platform for precise control of cell environments.
• Surface properties dictate nanovesicle presentation and cellular response.
• This approach demonstrates potential for designing advanced cell-instructive materials.