S022022 Analysis of Cell Motility Characteristics of Cells on the Microstructured Surfaces

Abstract

Proper positioning and maintenance of cells on the substrate by controlling cell migration non-invasively is critical for tissue engineering, cancer research and diagnosis. We fabricated silicon substrates consisting of a flat surface and a microgrooved surface, and investigated the response of three types of cells to the microgroove. Fish epidermal keratocytes turned at the boundary with the microgroove (1.5 pm width, 20 pm depth). In contrast, HT1080 fibrosarcoma cells and Swiss/3T3 fibroblasts crossed over the microgroove (1.5 pm width, 20 pm depth). We hypothesized that the cellular distribution of actin and the adhesion complexes would be an important determinant of cell motility characteristics in the microstructured surface. This study suggests the possibility to realize label-free control of cell migration by utilizing the microstructured surfaces.