Hierarchically Structured Surfaces Prepared by Phase Separation: Tissue Mimicking Culture Substrate

Abstract

The pseudo 3D hierarchical structure mimicking in vivo microenvironment was prepared by phase separation on tissue culture plastic. For surface treatment, time-sequenced dosing of the solvent mixture with various concentrations of polymer component was used. The experiments showed that hierarchically structured surfaces with macro, meso and micro pores can be prepared with multi-step phase separation processes. Changes in polystyrene surface topography were characterized by atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and contact profilometry. The cell proliferation and changes in cell morphology were tested on the prepared structured surfaces. Four types of cell lines were used for the determination of impact of the 3D architecture on the cell behavior, namely the mouse embryonic fibroblast, human lung carcinoma, primary human keratinocyte and mouse embryonic stem cells. The increase of proliferation of embryonic stem cells and mouse fibroblasts was the most remarkable. Moreover, the embryonic stem cells express different morphology when cultured on the structured surface. The acquired findings expand the current state of knowledge in the field of cell behavior on structured surfaces and bring new technological procedures leading to their preparation without the use of problematic temporary templates or additives.

Controlled Structuring of Hyaluronan Films by Phase Separation and Inversion

“…Based on previous research ,− as well as additional studies, , we hypothesized that the characteristics of the resulting surface texture could be influenced by various factors such as temperature, rotational speed, and IPA/ n BT ratio. These factors will be further discussed.…”

“…Similar to the case of PS, the addition of HU to the modification solution allowed for preparation of new surface texture types. From a physicochemical point of view, this approach corresponds to the phase inversion described in the literature. − Due to the structural and conformational differences between PS and HU, the modification process of the polysaccharide was much more complex and did not allow for the preparation of bulk porous structures as in the case of synthetic polymers .…”

“…Similar to the case of PS, the addition of HU to the modification solution allowed for preparation of new surface texture types. From a physicochemical point of view, this approach corresponds to the phase inversion described in the literature. − Due to the structural and conformational differences between PS and HU, the modification process of the polysaccharide was much more complex and did not allow for the preparation of bulk porous structures as in the case of synthetic polymers . A key point in the modification was to find out a suitable ratio of the components of the mixture, correct surface rotation speed, amount and volume of the dosed mixture, dose frequency, and especially content of residual water in the HU pre-swollen layer.…”