Impact of Implant Surface Micropatterns on Epithelial Cell Behavior.

PURPOSE:This study investigated the effect of topography on cell behavior by screening polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) molds with different nanoscale micropatterns to determine the ideal surface characteristics for attachment of human epithelial cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS:A soft PDMS mold with regular dot arrays was fabricated based on an aluminum oxide template with ordered nanotube arrays and used as a substrate for cell culture. Cell proliferation, spread, and morphology, as well as features of the extracellular matrix and the actin cytoskeleton were assessed. DISCUSSION:Cells grown on 100-nm regular dot arrays had the highest proliferation rate and spread, with the longest pseudopodia; they showed robust actin distribution relative to the control group. CONCLUSION:Three-dimensional PDMS microstructures with 100 nm regular dot arrays were the most effective surface for epithelial cell attachment. These findings can aid in the manufacture of superior materials for use in implants to better integrate into recipient tissue.