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A Dual-Function Micropatterned Gold Platform for Cell Patterning and Optical Imaging Applications
Swati Tanwar1, Lintong Wu1, Matthew Pittman1,2,3
1Department of Mechanical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, 21218, USA.
Sensors and Actuators. B, Chemical
|May 21, 2026
Summary
Researchers developed CELLPAC, a novel cell-patterning platform. This biocompatible system precisely controls cell placement for studying cellular interactions and molecular responses using optical imaging and Raman spectroscopy.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Cell Biology
- Materials Science
Background:
- Studying cellular interactions in defined microenvironments is crucial for understanding tissue development and disease.
- Existing platforms lack precise cell placement and integration with optical imaging techniques like Raman spectroscopy.
- Raman spectroscopy offers label-free molecular analysis but requires compatible cell-patterning solutions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a high-throughput, biocompatible cell-patterning platform for controlled cell confinement and molecular analysis.
- To integrate precise spatial control of cell placement with optical imaging compatibility.
- To enable detailed studies of intercellular communication, migration, and molecular responses in tailored microenvironments.
Main Methods:
- Developed CELLPAC, a platform integrating micropatterned gold substrates, PEG monolayers, and c-RGD peptides.
- Created microscale adhesive domains for controlled human keratinocyte confinement and patterning.
- Utilized the gold substrate for surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) signal enhancement.
Main Results:
- CELLPAC enabled precise localization and co-localization of single or multiple human keratinocytes into geometric patterns.
- Demonstrated ~3-fold signal enhancement for intrinsic cellular biomolecules using SERS.
- Showcased the platform's capability for studying curvature-guided migration and biochemical signaling.
Conclusions:
- CELLPAC provides a versatile, optically compatible platform for studying microenvironment-dependent cell responses.
- The dual functionality of cell patterning and molecular probing advances research in tissue engineering, drug screening, and biosensing.
- This platform facilitates reliable investigation of cellular interactions and molecular mechanisms in well-defined microenvironments.
