Attachment of cells to islands presenting gradients of adhesion ligands

Rafe T. Petty, Hung Wing Li, Jane H. Maduram, Rustem Ismagilov, Milan Mrksich*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

57 Scopus citations

Abstract

This paper reports a strategy that uses microfluidic networks to pattern self-assembled monolayers with gradient microislands for the attachment of individual cells. A microfluidic network is first used to pattern a monolayer into square regions that present maleimide groups and then used to flow a solution having a gradient of the cell adhesion peptide Arg-Gly-Asp over the substrate. In this way, the surface is patterned with microislands approximately 33 × 33 micrometers in size and each having a defined gradient of immobilized cell adhesion ligand. B16F10 cells were allowed to attach to the patterned islands and were found to display a nonuniform distribution of cytoskeletal structures in response to the gradient of adhesion ligand. This work is significant because it permits studies of the influence of a nonuniform microenvironment on the polarization, differentiation, and signaling of adherent cells.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)8966-8967
Number of pages2
JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society
Volume129
Issue number29
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 25 2007

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Chemistry
  • Biochemistry
  • Catalysis
  • Colloid and Surface Chemistry

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Attachment of cells to islands presenting gradients of adhesion ligands'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this