Directed Cell Growth on Laser-Transferred 2D Biomaterial Matrices

Abstract

Patterned arrangement of living cells to form tissues on a given surface is the prerequisite of successful bioen- gineering, tissue building and biosensor technology. The aim of the present study was to deposit various biomaterials onto a given substrate to establish a patterned cellular matrix using laser-based technologies. We used the Pulsed Laser Deposi- tion and the Absorbing Film-Assisted Laser-Induced Forward Transfer methods to deposit various biomaterials, such as fibronectin, collagen and endothelial cell growth supplement. Subpicosecond KrF excimer laser was used for irradiation of the target materials. When cultured neuroectodermal stem cells, astrocytes, endothelial and neuroblastoma cells were layered on the deposited biomaterial patterns a guided growth of these cells was induced along the patterned thin film. Some cell types showed various interactions when approached each other. The above methods are suitable to build an ar- chitecture of substrates which supports and guides the growth of cells and may enable the cells to induce directed and rapid repair of injured tissues.