Biomimicking Nano-Micro Binary Polymer Brushes for Smart Cell Orientation and Adhesion Control

Abstract

A new biomimetic surface named nano-micro binary polymer brushes is fabricated by large-area bench-top dip-pen nanodisplacement lithography technique. It is composed of gelatin-modified poly(glycidyl methacrylate) nanolines which are spaced by microstripes of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide). Cells are not only adhered and oriented well on the re-used surface, but also detachable from the surface with well-preserved extracellular matrix and aligned morphology.

Keywords: bio-nano interfaces; cell adhesion; cell orientation; dip-pen nanolithography; polymer brushes.