Surface‐Grafted Nanogel Arrays Direct Cell Adhesion and Motility. Issue 20 (20th July 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sechi, Antonio; Freitas, Joana M. G.; Wünnemann, Patrick; Töpel, Alexander; Paschoalin, Rafaella T.; Ullmann, Sabrina; Schröder, Ricarda; Aydin, Gülcan; Rütten, Stephan; Böker, Alexander; Zenke, Martin; Pich, Andrij
• Is Part Of: Advanced materials interfaces. Volume 3:Issue 20(2016)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2016-07-20
• Subjects: actin dynamics -- colloidal arrays -- focal adhesions -- live cell imaging -- PNIPAAm; Materials science -- Periodicals; 620.11
• DOI: 10.1002/admi.201600455
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2196-7350

Abstract

Abstract : It has long been appreciated that material chemistry and topology profoundly affect cell adhesion and migration. Here, aqueous poly( N ‐isopropyl acrylamide) nanogels are designed, synthesized and printed in form of colloidal arrays on glass substrates using wrinkled polydimethylsiloxane templates. Using low‐temperature plasma treatment, nanogels are chemically grafted onto glass supports thus leading to highly stable nanogel layers in cell culture media. Liquid cell atomic force microscopy investigations show that surface‐grafted nanogels retain their swelling behavior in aqueous media and that extracellular matrix protein coating do not alter their stability and topography. It is demonstrated that surface‐grafted nanogels could serve as novel substrates for the analysis of cell adhesion and migration. Nanogels influence size, speed, and dynamics of focal adhesions and cell motility forcing cells to move along highly directional trajectories. Moreover, modulation of nanogel state or spacing serves as an effective tool for regulation of cell motility. It is suggested that nanogel arrays deposited on solid surfaces could be used to provide a precise and tunable system to understand and control cell migration. Additionally, such nanogel arrays will contribute to the development of implantable systems aimed at supporting and enhancing cell migration during, for instance, wound healing and tissue regeneration. Abstract : Highly functional and stimuli‐responsive nanogel arrays are successfully fabricated by printing process using wrinkled polydimethylsiloxane templates. Nanogels influence size and focal adhesion dynamics and cell motility forcing cells to move along highly directional trajectories. The modulation of nanogel swelling degree and mechanical properties by the temperature or spacing serves as an effective tool for the regulation of cell motility.