Cell activation by the micropatterned surface with settling particles

Surface topography plays an important role in cell orientation and morphogenesis. In this study, we prepared a micropatterned surface with settling particles to obtain more detailed information about the cell recognition against the microstructured surface. Core-shell type particles having a poly-(N-isopropylacrylamide) (polyNIPAM) shell were prepared by seeded polymerization. Particles were settled on a polystyrene (PSt) flat dish by the spinner to prepare a micropatterned surface with settling particles. It could be seen that the polyNIPAM shell shrunk above and swelled below the LCST. For comparison, a thermosensitive flat surface was prepared by the graft polymerization of NIPAM. No morphologic change of cells contacting the both surfaces was observed with either an optical or a scanning electron microscope. Moreover, particles could move or roll on these surfaces when shaking the dishes. The weak interaction between neutrophil-like cells and the micropatterned surface with settling particles or the polyNIPAM-grafted surface was estimated by measurement of active oxygen released by cells. A little release could be observed at both 25 and 35°C. The amount of released active oxygen at 35°C was slightly larger than at 25°C. When the temperature was suddenly changed, the dynamic changes of particle shape and size resulted in the excess release of active oxygen from cells contacting the micropatterned surface with settling particles. Meanwhile no stimulation could be observed in the polyNIPAM-grafted surface even if the temperature is suddenly changed. These results indicate that the micropatterned surface with settling particles can induce the dynamic stimulus at a patterned input mode.