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Light-Responsive Liquid Crystal Surface Topographies for Dynamic Stimulation of Cells
Ruth M C Verbroekken1,2, Oksana K Savchak2,3, Thom F J Alofs1
1Stimuli-Responsive Functional Materials and Devices, Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, Eindhoven 5600 MB, The Netherlands.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
|May 3, 2025
Summary
This study introduces light-responsive polymer films that create dynamic surface topographies, significantly altering cell behavior and mechanosensitive signaling. These dynamic cues enhance cell responses, offering new ways to control cells in vitro.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Cell Biology
- Surface Engineering
Background:
- Biological surfaces have dynamic topographies crucial for cell behavior.
- Current research on biomechanics often overlooks dynamic cellular environments, focusing on static surfaces.
- Understanding dynamic surface topography effects is vital for mimicking in vivo conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of dynamic, micrometer-scale surface topographies on cell behavior under physiological conditions.
- To develop and utilize light-responsive liquid crystal polymer films for controlled topographical changes.
- To quantify cellular responses to dynamic surface topographies, including mechanosensitive signaling and focal adhesion distribution.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of light-responsive liquid crystal polymer films capable of dynamic topographical changes.
- Application of controlled topographical stimuli (pillars and grooves) at 37 °C in water.
- Measurement of yes-associated protein (YAP) translocation and focal adhesion distribution in response to topography.
- Assessment of cellular responses to repeated cycles of topographical changes.
Main Results:
- Dynamic topographies significantly increased mechanosensitive cell signaling, with up to 2-fold higher YAP nuclear translocation.
- Grooved topographies led to increased mechanical activation and cell alignment compared to pillared topographies.
- Subsequent changes in surface topography amplified cellular responses, showing a 3-fold increase in YAP translocation and 5-fold increase in vinculin heterogeneity.
Conclusions:
- Light-responsive liquid crystal polymer films can generate dynamic biomechanical cues to modulate cell behavior.
- Dynamic surface topographies offer a powerful tool for steering and controlling cellular responses in vitro.
- This technology holds potential for advanced tissue engineering and regenerative medicine applications.
