Title: Biomaterial surface patterning of self-assembled monolayers for controlling neuronal cell behaviour

Authors: Ramalingam Murugan, Peter Molnar, Koritala Panduranga Rao, James J. Hickman

Addresses: NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway, Orlando, FL 32826, USA. ' NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway, Orlando, FL 32826, USA. ' Spark Biotech, 3720 Sunburst Lane, Naperville, IL 60564, USA. ' NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway, Orlando, FL 32826, USA

Abstract: Control of the position, growth and subsequent function of living cells is a fundamental problem in cellular engineering. The development of a generation of |smart| biomaterial requires strict control over the material|s surface properties, because the initial response of the cultured cells mainly depends on the material|s surface characteristics. Since most of the cells in the body are arranged in distinct patterns during development, it would be beneficial if one create patterned environments in vitro for regulating cell behaviour. Accordingly, we provide design strategies and methodologies developed for nano- and micro-scale surface patterning and the subsequent control of cellular responses.

Keywords: biomaterials; self-assembled monolayers; surface patterning; neurons; cell engineering; self-assembly; cell behaviour; cellular responses; surface patterns.

DOI: 10.1504/IJBET.2009.022911

International Journal of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, 2009 Vol.2 No.2, pp.104 - 134

Published online: 03 Feb 2009 *

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