Cell/surface interactions of human osteo-sarcoma (HOS) cells and micro-patterned polydimelthylsiloxane (PDMS) surfaces

This paper presents the results of an experimental study of the effects of three-dimensional micro-pattern geometry on cell/surface interactions and the adhesion between HOS cells and PDMS surfaces. Micro-grooves with well-controlled ridges and spacings were fabricated by curing poly-di-methy-siloxane (PDMS) in silicon molds produced by photolithography. HOS cells were then cultured onto these surfaces for durations of 6, 12 and 48 h. In cases, where the groove spacing was comparable to the spread cell size, the cells align well in the directions of microgrooves. However, as the ridge separation increases, the cell orientations become more random, and less dependent on ridge height and spacing. The actin cytoskeletal structure and the distribution of focal adhesions are also elucidated by immuno-fluorescence staining.