(352b) The Control of Normal and Tumor Cell Behavior Using Nanomaterials

Cell interactions with nanostructured biomaterials are of broad interest because of applications in controlling tissue response to biomedical implants. In particular, mammalian cell adhesion to and proliferation on implanted devices is desirable for preventing the blockage of cardiovascular tumor stents. In this study, we explored the potential of densely coated nanorod monolayers for controlling normal and tumor mammalian cell adhesion. Densely packed nanorods were fabricated with a solution-based technique. Fibroblasts and vascular endothelial cells were unable to adhere on dense nanorods. Cells could not assemble vinculin-marked focal adhesions, and were poorly spread. Cell survival in adherent cells was reduced by more than 100-fold on nanorods. The morphology of tumor epithelial cells cultured on nanorods was rounded compared to flat surfaces and was associated with decreased cellular stiffness and myosin phosphorylation. Single tumor cell motility was significantly increased on nanorods compared to flat surfaces while cell adhesion was reduced. Our results support a model in which nanorods interfere with integrin clustering at the nanoscale, thereby preventing cell adhesion and spreading. Together, these results support the conclusion that nanostructured surfaces may be a promising approach to decrease cell adhesion.

[1] J. Lee, B. S. Kang, B. Hicks, T. F. Chancellor, B. H. Chu, H. T. Wang, B. G. Keselowsky, F. Ren and T. P. Lele, Biomaterials, 2008, 29, 3743-3749. [2] J. Lee, B. H. Chu, K. H. Chen, F. Ren and T. P. Lele, Biomaterials, 2009, 30, 4488-4493.