Fabrication of 3D microcages by two-photon polymerization for microsphere capture and cell spatial distribution.

Abstract

Micro/nanostructures exhibit distinctive advantages in cell capture and spatial distribution analysis. Nonetheless, conventional cell research approaches face challenges including strong equipment dependence, complex operational procedures, and difficulties in achieving precise spatial confinement. In this study, three-dimensional microcage arrays are fabricated <i>via</i> FL-TPP, enabling the construction of structures with customizable inner diameters and achieving highly precise, three-dimensional biomimetic, and high-throughput cell capture. The fabrication of structures with controllable inner diameters is realized. Through the synergistic effects of gravity and hydrodynamic forces, the microcage arrays efficiently and selectively capture microspheres and fibroblasts of specific sizes. In addition, microcages with varying inner diameters significantly modulate cell behavior and effectively avoid cell damage. This work broadens the applicability of micro/nanostructures in tissue engineering, including cell capture and the construction of biomimetic microenvironments.