Mona Abostate1,Nikolaos Liaros1,Matthew Hourwitz1,Wolfgang Losert2,3,John Fourkas1,3,4
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry University of Maryland1,Department of Physics, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA2,Institute for Physical Science & Technology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA3,Maryland Quantum Materials Center, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA4
Mona Abostate1,Nikolaos Liaros1,Matthew Hourwitz1,Wolfgang Losert2,3,John Fourkas1,3,4
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry University of Maryland1,Department of Physics, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA2,Institute for Physical Science & Technology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA3,Maryland Quantum Materials Center, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA4
Cellular responses to external stimuli arise from a complex integration of various biochemical and biophysical signals that can occur concurrently, and that exhibit distinct spatial and temporal patterns. Of these signals, nanotopography, which is present in the extracellular matrix, holds special significance in influencing and controlling cell behavior. Nanotopography has the ability to initiate and direct waves of actin polymerization in a phenomenon called esotaxis, which is closely linked to the inherent excitability of cells. For instance, nanoridges can induce a transition from the 2D spreading waves observed on flat substrates to 1D waves.<br/>We have molded large-area master patterns created using conventional lithography, and then replicated these masters using soft lithography. Replicas created using poly (Disperse Red 1 methacrylate, pDR1m), an azobenzene-containing polymer, can be reconfigured with light. The azobenzene moieties undergo photoisomerization from the <i>trans</i> isomer to the <i>cis</i> isomer, inducing macroscopic alterations in the polymer structure that dépend on the polarization of the light.<br/>With this technology, a single nanoridge master can be used to generate a wide range of patterns with different surface features. Photomodification of pDR1m nanoridges was achieved through two different methods: blanket exposure and patterned exposure. The newly patterned surfaces can be replicated in a material that is not photosensitive through a straightforward molding procedure.<br/>We have examined the response of cells to surfaces featuring buckled nanoridges created through. The presence of buckling has a significant influence on esotaxis, ultimately impacting cell migration. Because this effect is cell-type-specific, and depends on the degree of buckling, it is possible to create surfaces that impact different types of cells in different manners.