Precise and arbitrary deposition of biomolecules onto biomimetic fibrous matrices for spatially controlled cell distribution and functions

Chao Jia, Bowen Luo, Haoyu Wang, Yongqian Bian, Xueyong Li, Shaohua Li, Hongjun Wang

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

28 Scopus citations

Abstract

Advances in nano-/microfabrication allow the fabrication of biomimetic substrates for various biomedical applications. In particular, it would be beneficial to control the distribution of cells and relevant biomolecules on an extracellular matrix (ECM)-like substrate with arbitrary micropatterns. In this regard, the possibilities of patterning biomolecules and cells on nanofibrous matrices are explored here by combining inkjet printing and electrospinning. Upon investigation of key parameters for patterning accuracy and reproduc-ibility, three independent studies are performed to demonstrate the potential of this platform for: i) transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1-induced spatial differentiation of fibroblasts, ii) spatiotemporal interactions between breast cancer cells and stromal cells, and iii) cancer-regulated angiogenesis. The results show that TGF-β1 induces local fibroblast-to-myofibroblast differentiation in a dose-dependent fashion, and breast cancer clusters recruit activated stromal cells and guide the sprouting of endothelial cells in a spatially resolved manner. The established platform not only provides strategies to fabricate ECM-like interfaces for medical devices, but also offers the capability of spatially controlling cell organization for fundamental studies, and for high-throughput screening of various biomolecules for stem cell differentiation and cancer therapeutics.

Original languageEnglish
Article number1701154
JournalAdvanced Materials
Volume29
Issue number35
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 2017

Keywords

  • Biomolecule printing
  • Cell function
  • Cell patterning
  • Electrospinning
  • Micropatterning

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