2D and 3D patterning of molecules and cells

This thesis is designed to help understand the need for patterning molecules and cells for uses in medicine and engineering. Our goal is to be able to understand how cells and biological systems develop and how we can use design to harness cellular function. Two approaches are taken to pattern multiple cell types, and build 2D and 3D substrates. First, a combination of ink jet printing and silane chemistry are used to develop a method for high throughput patterning and analysis of Hippocampal Neurons on glass. Cell adhesive synthetic Poly-L-Lysine patterns are built juxtaposed from a non-adhesive silane background and control the distribution and growth of Hippocampal Neurons. Results from large scale patterning and analysis (44000 neurons/sample) show that neural somata align to adhesive spots or lines, neurites are restricted to patterned areas, and axonal branching is induced on growth promoting areas. In addition to the 2D patterning of neurons, a stereolithography apparatus is used to build CAD designed porous 3D hydrogels out of photoactivated poly (ethylene glycol). Hydrogels are built on glass slides that have been microcontact printed with lines of acrylic-fibronectin: during polymerization, fibronectin patterns cross-link to the surface of hydrogels forming cell adhesive patterns. Results show that fibroblasts align and spread on patterns, cardiomyocytes align and maintain their ability to autonomously contract and relax, and C2C12 muscle cells align and differentiate from myoblasts to multinucleated myotubes