Bio-inspired configurable multiscale extracellular matrix-like structures for functional alignment and guided orientation of cells.
Inspired by the hierarchically organized protein fibers in extracellular matrix (ECM) as well as the physiological importance of multiscale topography, we developed a simple but robust method for the design and manipulation of precisely controllable multiscale hierarchical structures using capillary force lithography in combination with an original wrinkling technique. In this study, based on our proposed fabrication technology, we approached a conceptual platform that can mimic the hierarchically multiscale topographical and orientation cues of the ECM for controlling cell structure and function. We patterned the polyurethane acrylate-based nanotopography with various orientations on the microgrooves, which could provide multiscale topography signals of ECM to control single and multicellular morphology and orientation with precision. Using our platforms, we found that the structures and orientations of fibroblast cells were greatly influenced by the nanotopography, rather than the microtopography. We also proposed a new approach that enables the generation of native ECM having nanofibers in specific three-dimensional (3D) configurations by culturing fibroblast cells on the multiscale substrata. We suggest that our methodology could be used as efficient strategies for the design and manipulation of various functional platforms, including well-defined 3D tissue structures for advanced regenerative medicine applications.
Interdisciplinary Program of Bioengineering, Seoul National University, Seoul 151-742, Republic of Korea.
Won-Gyu
WG
Bae
Department of Rural and Biosystems Engineering, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 500-757, Republic of Korea.
Jangho
J
Kim
Department of Otolaryngology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, 443-721, Republic of Korea.
Yun-Hoon
YH
Choung
Department of Biosystems & Biomaterials Science and Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul 440-746, Republic of Korea.
Yesol
Y
Chung
Interdisciplinary Program of Bioengineering, Seoul National University, Seoul 151-742, Republic of Korea.
Kahp Y
KY
Suh
School of Chemical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), Suwon 440-746, Republic of Korea.
Changhyun
C
Pang
Department of Biosystems & Biomaterials Science and Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul 440-746, Republic of Korea. Electronic address: jchung@snu.ac.kr.
Jong Hoon
JH
Chung
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Ulsan 689-798, Republic of Korea. Electronic address: hoonejeong@unist.ac.kr.
Hoon Eui
HE
Jeong
D000179:Acrylates / Q000737:chemistry*; D000818:Animals; D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000737:chemistry; D040761:Biomimetic Materials / Q000737:chemistry*; D032701:Biomimetics / Q000379:methods; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D005109:Extracellular Matrix / Q000737:chemistry*; D005347:Fibroblasts / Q000166:cytology; D006801:Humans; D051379:Mice; D041681:NIH 3T3 Cells; D057139:Nanofibers / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D011140:Polyurethanes / Q000737:chemistry*; D023822:Tissue Engineering / Q000379:methods; D054457:Tissue Scaffolds / Q000737:chemistry*
D000179:Acrylates; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D011140:Polyurethanes
Cell function; Extracellular matrix; Multiscale structure; Scaffold; Tissue engineering