Laser-engineered topography: correlation between structure dimensions and cell control
Journal of Materials Science-Materials in Medicine
11
23
2813-2819
2012
Type: Zeitschriftenaufsatz (reviewed)
Abstract
Topographical cues have a significant impact on cell responses and by this means, on the fabrication of innovative implant materials. However, analysis of celltopography interactions in dependence of the surface feature dimensions is still challenging due to limitations in the fabrication technology. Here, we introduce surface structuring via picosecond laser systems, which enable a fast production of micro-sized topologies. Changes in the processing parameters further control the feature sizes of so-called spikes. Using surfaces with big and small spike-to-spikedistances for comparisons, we focussed on cell adhesion via extracellular matrix adsorption and focal adhesion complexes, morphology, localisation and proliferation of fibroblasts. The observed cell control was dependent on a turnover point related to the structure dimensions: only big spike-to-spike-distances reduced cell behaviour. Therefore, this technology offers a platform to study cell and tissue interactions with a defined microenvironment.