title: Rapid fabrication of functionalised poly(dimethylsiloxane) microwells for cell aggregate formation.
abstract: Cell aggregates reproduce many features of the natural architecture of functional tissues, and have therefore become an important in vitro model of tissue function. In this study, we present an efficient and rapid method for the fabrication of site specific functionalised poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) microwell arrays that promote the formation of insulin-producing beta cell (MIN6) aggregates. Microwells were prepared using an ice templating technique whereby aqueous droplets were frozen on a surface and PDMS was cast on top to form a replica. By employing an aqueous alkali hydroxide solution, we demonstrate exclusive etching and functionalisation of the microwell inner surface, thereby allowing the selective absorption of biological factors within the microwells. Additionally, by manipulating surface wettability of the substrate through plasma polymer coating, the shape and profile of the microwells could be tailored. Microwells coated with antifouling Pluronic 123, bovine serum albumin, collagen type IV or insulin growth factor 2 were employed to investigate the formation and stability of MIN6 aggregates in microwells of different shapes. MIN6 aggregates formed with this technique retained insulin expression. These results demonstrate the potential of this platform for the rapid screening of biological factors influencing the formation and response of insulin-producing cell aggregates without the need for expensive micromachining techniques.
authors.affiliation: Science and Engineering Faculty, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4001, Australia and Cooperative Research Centre for Cell Therapy Manufacturing (CRC-CTM), Adelaide 5000, Australia.
authors.forename: A
authors.identifier: http://orcid.org/0000-0002-3305-3980
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Forget
authors.affiliation: Cooperative Research Centre for Cell Therapy Manufacturing (CRC-CTM), Adelaide 5000, Australia and Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia. fnicolas.voelcker@monash.edu.
authors.forename: A L S
authors.initials: ALS
authors.lastname: Burzava
authors.affiliation: Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia. fnicolas.voelcker@monash.edu.
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Delalat
authors.affiliation: Cooperative Research Centre for Cell Therapy Manufacturing (CRC-CTM), Adelaide 5000, Australia and School of Engineering, University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes 5095, Australia and Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes 5095, Australia.
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Vasilev
authors.affiliation: Cooperative Research Centre for Cell Therapy Manufacturing (CRC-CTM), Adelaide 5000, Australia and Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes 5095, Australia and Cell Therapies Pty Ltd, Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre (VCCC), Melbourne 3000, Australia. franharding@celltherapies.com.au.
authors.forename: F J
authors.initials: FJ
authors.lastname: Harding
authors.affiliation: Cooperative Research Centre for Cell Therapy Manufacturing (CRC-CTM), Adelaide 5000, Australia and Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes 5095, Australia and Cell Therapies Pty Ltd, Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre (VCCC), Melbourne 3000, Australia. franharding@celltherapies.com.au and School of Pharmacy and Medical Science, University of South Australia, Adelaide 5000, Australia. anton.blencowe@unisa.edu.au.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Blencowe
authors.affiliation: Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia. fnicolas.voelcker@monash.edu.
authors.forename: N H
authors.identifier: http://orcid.org/0000-0002-1536-7804
authors.initials: NH
authors.lastname: Voelcker
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000737:chemistry*; D002417:Cattle; D002449:Cell Aggregation; D018929:Cell Culture Techniques / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D002460:Cell Line; D004129:Dimethylpolysiloxanes / Q000737:chemistry*; D004867:Equipment Design; D055767:Immobilized Proteins / Q000737:chemistry; D050417:Insulin-Secreting Cells / Q000166:cytology*; D051379:Mice; D012710:Serum Albumin, Bovine / Q000737:chemistry; D018874:Spheroids, Cellular; D017155:Wettability
chemical_list: D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D004129:Dimethylpolysiloxanes; D055767:Immobilized Proteins; D012710:Serum Albumin, Bovine; C013830:baysilon