A polymer-based artificial microenvironment for enhancing cell adhesion

Background The ability to control the cell-surface network is widely used to observe the regulation of host-biomaterial interactions, predict cell behavior, and perform solid organ tissue engineering. We further investigated Nafion from the perspective of cell adhesion and biocompatibility. Methods The flexible Nafion micro-patterned mold was fabricated by asilicon master (linewidth, 800 nm; space, 800 nm; depth, 600 nm; line pattern). Four different molds were also fabricated based on PDMS, PUA, acryl, and Teflon. The PUA, acryl, and Teflon molds were exposed under a 365-nm UV lamp for 90 seconds at 40 mJ/s for curing. Results We developed micro-pattern poly(tetrafluoroethylene-co-perfluoro-3,6-dioxa-4-meth­yl-7-octene-sulfonic acid) (Nafion) films fabricated by a molding process. We present the fabrication and characterization of flexible, micro-patterned Nafion films and the evaluation of cell adhesion and alignment on these films. Conclusion We found that cell adhesion and migration/direction could be modulated by controlling the surface architecture.