title: Scanning probe-enabled nanocombinatorics define the relationship between fibronectin feature size and stem cell fate.
abstract: We report the development of a powerful analytical method that utilizes a tilted elastomeric pyramidal pen array in the context of a scanning probe lithography experiment to rapidly prepare libraries having as many as 25 million features over large areas with a range of feature sizes from the nano- to microscale. This technique can be used to probe important chemical and biological processes, opening up the field of nanocombinatorics. In a proof-of-concept investigation of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) differentiation, combinatorial patterns first enabled a rapid and systematic screening of MSC adhesion, as a function of feature size, while uniform patterns were used to study differentiation with statistically significant sample sizes. Without media containing osteogenic-inducing chemical cues, cells cultured on nanopatterned fibronectin substrates direct MSC differentiation towards osteogenic fates when compared to nonpatterned fibronectin substrates. This powerful and versatile approach enables studies of many systems spanning biology, chemistry, and engineering areas.
authors.affiliation: Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Northwestern University,2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, IL 60208, USA.
authors.forename: Louise R
authors.initials: LR
authors.lastname: Giam
authors.forename: Matthew D
authors.initials: MD
authors.lastname: Massich
authors.forename: Liangliang
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Hao
authors.forename: Lu
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Shin Wong
authors.forename: Christopher C
authors.initials: CC
authors.lastname: Mader
authors.forename: Chad A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Mirkin
mesh_terms: D002448:Cell Adhesion; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D005353:Fibronectins / Q000737:chemistry*; D022001:Focal Adhesions; D006801:Humans; D059630:Mesenchymal Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology; D018613:Microscopy, Confocal / Q000379:methods; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning / Q000379:methods; D008856:Microscopy, Fluorescence / Q000379:methods; D020527:Microscopy, Scanning Probe / Q000379:methods*; D036103:Nanotechnology / Q000379:methods; D010012:Osteogenesis; D011108:Polymers / Q000737:chemistry; D013234:Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology
chemical_list: D005353:Fibronectins; D011108:Polymers