Cell patterning on photocrosslinkable polymer films with micropatternable surfaces

Abstract

Abstract The regulation of cell behavior is crucial for understanding many fundamental biological processes and designing novel medical devices. Nano/micropatterning has been developed as a means of controlling cellular properties and behaviors. Using cinnamoyl groups that have undergone photodimerization, we have prepared facile photopatterning films with adjustable surface properties for cell patterning via simple steps. Our strategy for controlling surface properties uses the decrease in free volume induced by photocrosslinking. This paper describes the surface‐patterning properties of photocrosslinkable polymer films and the cell adhesion to their micropatterned surfaces. Upon culturing cells on micropatterned surfaces, preferential cell adhesion, alignment and proliferation are observed in the unexposed regions. Additionally, diverse surface patterns of photocrosslinkable polymer films have been fabricated using various photomasks, enabling effective control of cell adhesion and alignment. The ability to regulate cellular behavior via microfabricated surfaces of photocrosslinkable polymer films enables a new and facile approach for designing scaffolds for the development of novel advanced materials, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine.

Keywords

• cell patterning
• photocrosslinking
• photodimerization
• surface modulus
• surface patterning