Nanopatterned 3D structure for guidance of cells

Abstract

Nanopatterned biodegradable polymer substrates are prepared by a nano-imprinting technique. Fibroblasts are used as model cells and cultured on the grooved surface to determine the cell behavior. The orientation and morphology of the cells indicate their response to surface nano-topographies and polarization along the length axis. Nanoscale surface features can direct cellular functions such as activation, orientation, and migration. These phenomena are of interest for understanding cytoskeletal dynamics and designing biomaterials for 3D axon guidance.