Spatial control of cellular adhesion using photo-crosslinked micropatterned polyelectrolyte multilayer films

Cellular patterning on biomaterial surfaces is important in fundamental studies of cell–cell and cell–substrate interactions, and in biomedical applications such as tissue engineering, cell-based biosensors, and diagnostic devices. In this study, we combined the layer-by-layer polyelectrolyte multilayer deposition and photolithographic technique to create an easy and versatile technique for cell patterning. Poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) conjugated with 4-azidoaniline was interwoven in PAA/polyacrylamide (PAM) multilayer films. After UV irradiation through a photo mask, the UV-exposed areas were crosslinked and the unexposed areas were rinsed away by alkaline water, resulting in micropatterns. Cell patterns were formed when the cell adhesion was limited to the base substrate, but not on the multilayer films. The stability of cell patterns could be modulated by simply modification of the surface chemistry of base substrate and PEM films with conjugation of bioactive macromolecules. This technique can be also applied to other PEM systems with proper rinsing protocol, and many types of substrates. Cell co-culture systems can be also achieved by this technique.