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Hierarchical Micro-Nano Surface Roughness Wax-Impregnated Cotton Fabrics Platform for Cell-Based Diagnostics
Norsamsiah M Wahab1, Asnida A Wahab2, Fadzilah A Abdul Majid3
1Medical Devices and Technology Group, Faculty of Biosciences and Medical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310 Skudai, Johor, Malaysia.
ACS Omega
|October 20, 2025
Summary
Researchers developed a novel point-of-care diagnostic platform using wax-impregnated cotton fabrics. This hierarchical micronano structured surface promotes cell attachment and differentiation, enabling easier visualization of healthy versus unhealthy cells.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Cell Biology
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Hierarchical micronano structured surfaces significantly influence cell behavior and are critical for biomaterials.
- Increased surface roughness mimics the 3D native environment of fibroblasts, offering a novel approach for cell-based diagnostics.
- Traditional biopsy methods are time-consuming and complex.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel point-of-care diagnostic platform utilizing wax-impregnated cotton fabrics with varying melting points.
- To create a rough hierarchical surface conducive to cell attachment and mimic a 3D native environment.
- To evaluate the platform's performance in cell attachment, growth, morphology, and staining.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of wax-impregnated cotton fabrics with varying melting points to create hierarchical micronano roughness.
- Evaluation of physical properties: surface roughness (Ra, 2300-30 nm) and adhesion stickiness (0.54-1.0 nN).
- Assessment of cell growth profiles, attachment morphology, and cell staining using trichrome stain, immunofluorescence, and FESEM imaging with Human Skin Fibroblast (HSF1184) and Breast Cancer (MCF-7) cell lines.
Main Results:
- The hierarchical roughness promoted cell growth and differentiation, influencing cell adhesion and actin cytoskeleton.
- The platform enabled clear visualization of healthy and unhealthy cells via reflective mode microscopy.
- Surface topography and stickiness variations were found to influence cell adhesion and morphology.
Conclusions:
- Wax-impregnated cotton fabrics with hierarchical micronano structures show potential for biomedical applications, especially in cell-material interfaces.
- The developed point-of-care diagnostic platform offers a promising alternative to traditional biopsy methods.
- This technology provides valuable insights for designing advanced platforms for cell-based diagnostics and understanding cell-material interactions.
