title: Microscale three-dimensional polymeric platforms for in vitro cell culture systems.
abstract: This paper describes fabrication schemes to create multidimensional polymeric platforms to study cell function. A key feature of these constructs is the replication of in vivo geometry and dimensional size scales that will aid in the understanding of fundamental cell-environment interactions. Advantages of these microtextured membranes include the high degree of reproducibility, optical clarity, and the ability to create multiple features on the micron and sub-micron size scale. We have demonstrated the creation of controlled microscale features on hydrogels as well as biodegradable materials such as poly(lactic-glycolic acid). These microtopographies selectively degrade under physiological conditions. Because of the flexibility of substrate material and the ease of creating micron size structures, this technique can be applied to a multitude of physiological and biological systems.
authors.affiliation: Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, 60607, USA.
authors.forename: J D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Snyder
authors.forename: T A
authors.initials: TA
authors.lastname: Desai
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000737:chemistry; D018929:Cell Culture Techniques / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D005347:Fibroblasts / Q000166:cytology; D006321:Heart / Q000502:physiology; D009206:Myocardium / Q000166:cytology; D011108:Polymers
chemical_list: D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D011108:Polymers