Dynamic control over cell adhesive properties using molecular-based surface engineering strategies

Abstract

In complex organisms, cells are often dependent on their extracellular matrix (ECM) for structural integrity, the mechanical properties of tissues, and for signaled regulation of cellular processes including adhesion, migration, growth, secretion, gene expression and apoptosis. Achieving dynamic control, i.e. by using an external stimulus, over the interactions between cells and artificial interfaces holds considerable promise in tissue engineering, medicine, cell biology and immunology. For example, improved spatial control over cell-surface interaction is potentially useful in the design of cell-based screening devices. Dynamic control over SAMs for cell adhesion provides an additional handle to direct and study the attachment of cells to surfaces, e.g., in studying cell spreading from a predetermined pattern in order to screen the cytotoxicity of drug candidates. However, 'reversible' control of cell adhesion onto substrates is an area that is still in its infancy. In this critical review recent developments in cell adhesion of mammalian cells to SAM-modified surfaces, the physical properties of which can be controlled by an external stimulus, e.g. by light, electrochemistry, etc., are discussed (118 references).

Rapid Reversible Photoswitching of Integrin‐Mediated Adhesion at the Single‐Cell Level

“…To date, the dynamic control of cell adhesion properties is still a highly challenging task, but could revolutionize biointerface research and many biomaterials applications. [ 25 ] Thus our strategy to generate rapid and reversible photoswitching holds signifi cant potential for in vitro and in vivo applications, particularly in order to control cellular behavior and adhesion temporally and spatially. The surface coating strategy presented here can be easily applied to many different metallic materials that contain a silanizable oxide layer, including Ti and NiTi.…”

An Epitope‐Imprinted Biointerface with Dynamic Bioactivity for Modulating Cell–Biomaterial Interactions

“…Changes in these interactions as a consequence of ECM remodeling give rise to specific cell‐signaling and intracellular cascades. These processes are central to physiology and pathological processes, such as tissue self‐repair and tumorigenesis 1b,1c. As mimics of such dynamic interactions, artificial matrices with the reversible display of bioactive ligands have attracted much attention.…”

“…As mimics of such dynamic interactions, artificial matrices with the reversible display of bioactive ligands have attracted much attention. Surfaces capable of modulating cell–biomaterial interactions are commonly exploited for in situ cell‐biology experimentation and in tissue engineering 1c, 2. Furthermore, a dynamic biointerface with reversibly immobilized ligands has also shown great promise in drug targeting and isolation methods for therapeutics and diagnostics 3…”

Surface Modification of Cell Scaffold in Aqueous Solution Using TiO₂Photocatalysis and Linker Protein L2 for Patterning Primary Neurons<i></i>

“…Recent advancement in surface engineering further enabled us not only to array the cells on templates but also to manipulate the pre-defined pattern geometry while the cells are grown on the surface [14,21,22]. Such "in-situ"or "dynamic" patterning has been realized, for example, by using photoresponsive polymers [23,24] or laser ablation [25,26], just to name a few.…”