Engineering Biomaterials Surfaces Using Micropatterning

Abstract

A new technique for micropatterning surfaces for cell growth support is described and characterized. This technique allows covering of large three-dimensional surfaces at low cost with controllable micropatterns. This method takes advantage of the random properties of aerosols and the principles of liquid atomization. Parameters of interest were the pressure of atomization air, the flow rate and volume of the atomised liquid, and the distance between the spray nozzle and the surface of the sample. The experimental setup permitted to obtain mean diameters of spots between 10 and 20 microns with a maximum surface coverage of 20%. In an initial step, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) films were treated with ammonia plasma to insert amino groups on the surface. The ammonia plasma treated films were immersed in a solution containing sulfosuccinimidyl 4-(N-maleidomethyl)cyclohexane-1-carboxy-late (SSMCC) to permit the introduction of maleimido groups on the PTFE surface to subsequently conjugate peptides through a sulfhydryl containing N-terminal cystein residue. Plasma/S-SMCC pretreated surfaces were then sprayed with peptide sequences CGRGDS and CWQPPRARI. Our data showed that spots of CGRGDS peptides over a background of CWQPPRARI peptides were the most effective combination to enhance endothelialization.