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Biomaterial Surface Nanotopography Induced IgG Unfolding Modulates Macrophage Innate Immune Responses
Markos Negash Alemie1,2, Richard Bright2, Neethu Ninan2
1Experimental Therapeutics Laboratory, UniSA Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, City East Campus, Adelaide, 5000, Australia.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
|August 4, 2025
Summary
Nanoscale surface features on implantable devices control protein adsorption and immune cell behavior. This research shows specific nanotopographies can reduce inflammation, improving device integration and patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Immunology
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Implantable devices face immune rejection due to host responses.
- Biomaterial surface nanotopography influences immune interactions.
- Understanding these interactions is crucial for device design.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how nanoscale surface topography affects Immunoglobulin G (IgG) adsorption.
- To determine the impact of modified surfaces on innate immune cell attachment and inflammatory responses.
- To explore the potential for designing implantable devices with modulated immune responses.
Main Methods:
- Engineered model surfaces with defined nanoscale features (16, 38, 68 nm).
- Ensured uniform surface chemistry across all engineered surfaces.
- Analyzed IgG adsorption, conformational changes, and subsequent macrophage behavior (attachment, migration, activation).
Main Results:
- Nanoscale dimensions significantly altered IgG adsorption and induced conformational changes.
- Adsorbed and unfolded IgG promoted macrophage attachment, migration, and activation.
- Surfaces with pre-adsorbed IgG exhibited a net anti-inflammatory response, favoring M2 macrophages.
Conclusions:
- Surface nanotopography is critical for modulating IgG adsorption and immune cell responses.
- Nanoscale surface modifications can steer immune reactions towards an anti-inflammatory profile.
- Findings support the development of advanced implantable medical devices with tailored immune interactions.
