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Selective adhesion of functional microtubules to patterned silane surfaces
1Center for Bio/Molecular Science and Engineering, Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, DC 20375-5348, USA. dturner@cbmse.nrl.navy.mil
Biophysical Journal
|December 1, 1995
Summary
Researchers immobilized microtubule polymers on patterned silane surfaces, maintaining their biological function. This technique enables selective adhesion for studying molecular motor protein kinesin activity.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Surface Chemistry
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Microtubules are essential cytoskeletal components involved in intracellular transport.
- Controlled immobilization of microtubules is crucial for studying molecular motors and cellular processes.
- Existing methods often compromise microtubule native properties or lack precise patterning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a method for selective immobilization of microtubule polymers on patterned surfaces.
- To investigate the adhesion properties of various silane surfaces for microtubules.
- To ensure immobilized microtubules retain biological activity for motor protein interactions.
Main Methods:
- Chemisorption of silane films (hydrocarbon, fluorocarbon, amino, thiol) on silicon wafers and glass coverslips.
- Deep UV lithography for patterning silane surfaces with controlled linewidths (1-50 microns).
- Immobilization of microtubules under fluid flow for partial alignment.
- Imaging using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and differential interference contrast (DIC) microscopy.
- Motility assays with kinesin-coated beads on patterned microtubules.
Main Results:
- Strong adhesion of microtubules observed on amine-terminal silane surfaces.
- Immobilized microtubules retained biological activity, supporting kinesin-coated bead movement.
- Lithographically patterned aminosilane surfaces allowed selective microtubule adhesion.
- Partial alignment of microtubules achieved using fluid flow during immobilization.
- Kinesin-mediated bead motility on patterned microtubules was comparable to control surfaces.
Conclusions:
- Selective immobilization of functional microtubules on lithographically patterned silane surfaces is achievable.
- Aminosilane surfaces provide a suitable substrate for microtubule adhesion and kinesin-mediated motility.
- This technique offers a platform for creating controlled microenvironments for studying microtubule-based cellular functions.