Defining the Biology-Materials Interface using both 2D and 3D Lithography

Abstract

Two- and three-dimensional lithographic strategies were used to fabricate materials which enable control and study of biological processes with high efficiency. Electron-beam lithography was used to produce 2D patterns of micrometer-sized features of gold on silicon where dinitrophenyl end-capped ligand self-assembled monolayers were specifically immobilized to enable study of their interactions with specific receptors on mast cells. Two-photon lithography was used to produce 3D constructs of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate-based hydrogels on microfabricated silicon neural prosthetic devices. The hydrogels were used to deliver neurotrophins to stimulate neuronal cells in order to promote neuron stability and to make highly efficient connections between device electrodes and neurons. Both these lithographic strategies and their application demonstrate the influence of chemistry and topography of materials surfaces on cellular responses.