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 language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 8966-8967 |
Number of pages | 2 |
Journal | Journal of the American Chemical Society |
Volume | 129 |
Issue number | 29 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jul 25 2007 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General Chemistry
- Biochemistry
- Catalysis
- Colloid and Surface Chemistry