Substrate chemistry influences the morphology and biological function of adsorbed extracellular matrix assemblies.
In addition to mediating cell signalling events, native extracellular matrix (ECM) assemblies interact with other ECM components, act as reservoirs for soluble signalling molecules and perform structural roles. The potential of native ECM assemblies in the manufacture of biomimetic materials has not been fully exploited due, in part, to the effects of substrate interactions on their morphology. We have previously demonstrated that the ECM components, fibrillin and type VI collagen microfibrils, exhibit substrate dependent morphologies on chemically and topographically variable heterogeneous surfaces. Using both cleaning and coating approaches on silicon wafers and glass coverslips we have produced chemically homogeneous, topographically similar substrates which cover a large amphiphilic range. Extremes of substrate amphiphilicity induced morphological changes in periodicity, curvature and lateral spreading which may mask binding sites or disrupt domain structure. Biological functionality, as assayed by the ability to support cell spreading, was significantly reduced for fibrillin microfibrils adsorbed on highly hydrophilic substrates (contact angle 20.7 degrees) compared with less hydrophilic (contact angle 38.3 degrees) and hydrophobic (contact angle 92.8 degrees) substrates. With an appropriate choice of surface chemistry, multifunctional ECM assemblies retain their native morphology and biological functionality.
Sherratt
Michael J
MJ
Division of Laboratory and Regenerative Medicine, The Medical School, Stopford Building, The University of Manchester, UK. michael.j.sherratt@manchester.ac.uk
Bax
Daniel V
DV
Chaudhry
Shazia S
SS
Hodson
Nigel
N
Lu
Jian R
JR
Saravanapavan
Priya
P
Kielty
Cay M
CM
D000042:Absorption; D002448:Cell Adhesion / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D002465:Cell Movement / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D048429:Cell Size / Q000187:drug effects; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D020099:Coated Materials, Biocompatible / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology; D024142:Collagen Type VI / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000494:pharmacology*; D016326:Extracellular Matrix Proteins / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000071837:Fibrillins; D005347:Fibroblasts / Q000166:cytology* / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008422:Materials Testing; D008840:Microfilament Proteins / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011485:Protein Binding
D020099:Coated Materials, Biocompatible; D024142:Collagen Type VI; D016326:Extracellular Matrix Proteins; D000071837:Fibrillins; D008840:Microfilament Proteins