Fabrication of polymeric replicas of cell surfaces with nanoscale resolution.
We report an approach for fabricating biomimetic surface replicas of cells with nanoscale resolution. Fixed cells serve as a template for a two-stage replica molding process. Cast from the template, the impression replica contains a reproduction of cellular topographical features indented into its surface, and cast from the impression replica, the relief replica contains a copy of these features protruding from its surface. Various polymers and cells can be utilized, and scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and white light interferometry analyses confirm the replication of nanoscale features. These replicas are useful for investigating cellular function and for biomimetic tissue engineering.
Bruder
Jan M
JM
Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Physiology, and Biotechnology and Center for Biomedical Engineering, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, USA.
Monu
Nicholas C
NC
Harrison
Michael W
MW
Hoffman-Kim
Diane
D
D000818:Animals; D040761:Biomimetic Materials / Q000737:chemistry*; D002460:Cell Line; D018625:Microscopy, Atomic Force; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D032389:Myocytes, Smooth Muscle / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D011108:Polymers / Q000737:chemistry*; D051381:Rats; D012583:Schwann Cells / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D013499:Surface Properties
D011108:Polymers