Cellular Development on Micro/Nano Substrates
The fundamental hypothesis of our research
is that micro- and nano-structured substrates provide distinct
cues that influence cellular activities. In testing our hypothesis
we performed a comparative study using patterned silicon
substrates with micro and nanostructures. These micro and
nanostructured substrates were used as a mitigating factor to
control cellular activities such as growth, differentiation and
proliferation in cells.
Results:
- The dimensions of the substrate topography indeed have a
profound impact on cellular activities: nano-substrates elicit
increased cell proliferation, and micro-substrates promote
cell differentiation.
- It is thus possible to use substrates with different
topographical features to control cellular development,
which is one of the key issues for the ultimate success of the
field of tissue engineering. |
