FluidFM-Based Fabrication of Nanopatterns: Promising Surfaces for Platelet Storage Application

Abstract

Platelets are cell fragments from megakaryocytes devoid of the cell nucleus. They are highly sensitive and easily activated by nonphysiological surfaces. Activated platelets have an intrinsic mechanism to release various proteins that participate in multiple pathways, initiating the platelet activation cascade. Surface-induced platelet activation is a challenge encountered during platelet storage, which eventually leads to aggregation of platelets and can thereby result in the degradation of the platelet concentrates. We have previously reported that surface-induced platelet activation can be minimized by either modifying their contact surfaces with polymers or introducing nanogroove patterns underneath the platelets. Here, we investigated the response of platelets to various nanotopographical surfaces printed using fluidic force microscopy (FluidFM). We found that the hemispherical array (grid) and hexagonal tile (hive) structures caused a reduction of surface stiffness, which leads to an inhibition of platelet adhesion. Our results reveal that nanopatterns enable the inhibition of platelet activation on surfaces, thus implying that development in nanotexturing of storage bags can extend the lifetime of platelet concentrates.

Insights into the writing process of the mask-free nanoprinting fluid force microscopy technology

“…We have previously proven that the commercial hybrid acrylate-based UV curable Loctite AA3491 (Henkel) allowed the printing of several types of nanostructures such as hive (=hexagonal) features (figure 1(D)) [31,33]. These nanostructures strongly reduce platelet adhesion as shown by a low density of platelets (figure 1(E)) compared with a high density of cells on the nonstructured polymer film (figure 1(F)).…”

“…Even though twophoton polymerization (2PP) allows to print structures down to 100 nm [29,30], the technique is time-consuming, complex, inefficient for fabrication of a large sample size, and only works with photo-polymerizable materials. The mask-free FluidFM-based atomic force microscopy (AFM) technology is a versatile method for generating functional and topographical features ranging from synthetic [30,31] to biological materials [32]. The use of the FluidFM enables the cost-and time-efficient production of almost limitless prototype structures.…”

“…The use of the FluidFM enables the cost-and time-efficient production of almost limitless prototype structures. Previously, we have demonstrated the feasibility of the FluidFM in printing dot-grid and hexagonal nanostructures using a commercial hybrid acrylate-based UV curable Loctite AA3491 (Henkel) [31]. These structures caused a reduction of surface stiffness and inhibited platelet adhesion and activation.…”

Liposomal Resveratrol Alleviates Platelet Storage Lesion via Antioxidation and the Physical Buffering Effect

“…For instance, nanopatterns on the container surface can inhibit platelet activation, suggesting that nanotexturing of storage bags may prolong platelet storage time. 22 Nanoparticles, due to their manipulative structure, may be promising to improve platelet function and survival. 23 Compared with free agents, nanoparticles offer significant advantages of improving drug stability, pharmacokinetics, safety, and efficacy.…”

“…Nanotechnology has been explored as a potential way to improve platelet storage. For instance, nanopatterns on the container surface can inhibit platelet activation, suggesting that nanotexturing of storage bags may prolong platelet storage time . Nanoparticles, due to their manipulative structure, may be promising to improve platelet function and survival .…”