Endothelial cell adhesion and growth within a bioassay chamber using microstamped ECM proteins

Abstract

Our goal was to evaluate microvascular endothelial cell growth on microstamped patterns of extracellular matrix proteins (ECM). A combination of photo- and soft-lithography was used to make features ∼100 μm deep and 150μm wide. Polydimethylsiloxane imprints of features produced positive molds used to stamp collagen I, IV, laminin and fibronectin onto cleaned hydrophilic or hydrophobic glass coverslips. Human dermal microvascular endothelial cells were seeded at an initial density of 800 cells cm-2, and cultured for three days. Explanted murine aortas, serving as an initial source for autologous endothelial cells, were perfused at 240 μL min−1 for 1 day. Cell morphology was also quantified on both the non-patterned glass and within the microstamped patterns. Viability was high (>90%) on all microstamped proteins, regardless of glass hydrophobicity. Viability was reduced on bare hydrophobic glass. Cell density was 4 or 8 fold higher on microstamped ECM proteins compared with hydrophilic or hydrophobic glass, respectively. Confluence was approached more rapidly on microstamped proteins. Thus, rapid concentrated growth of endothelial cells was markedly enhanced within microstamped ECM patterns on hydrophilic and hydrophobic glass.