Molecular etching: a novel methodology for the generation of complex micropatterned growth surfaces for human cellular assays.

Abstract

The extracellular matrix (ECM) is the non-cellular component of all tissues consisting of many different bioactive macromolecules including proteins, proteoglycans, glycoproteins and gradients of growth factors. It is a highly complex and dynamic structure that is subject to constant remodeling <i>in vivo</i>. The ECM not only provides essential structural support for tissues and cell layers but also modulates molecular and biomechanical signaling cues.^[1-4] ECM composition is tightly regulated during normal development and hemostasis and varies with tissue type as well as developmental stage. Hearts of different developmental stages have significant differences in ECM composition and elasticity.^{[5, 6]} Dysregulation of the ECM has also been shown to result in human aortic and connective tissue diseases.^[7] In addition, ECM has been shown to control cell behavior and function through its elasticity, topography, and dimensionality. <i>In vitro</i>, culture surface stiffness has been shown to directly control the lineage commitment of mesenchymal stem cells.^{[8, 9]}