Photo-responsive polymer with erasable and reconfigurable micro- and nano-patterns: An in vitro study for neuron guidance

The interaction of cells with nanoscale topography has proven to be an important modality in controlling cell responses. Topographic parameters on material surfaces play a role in cell growth. We have synthesized a new bio compatible polymer containing photoswitching molecules. Stripepatterned (groove/ridge pattern) were patterned and erased with ease on this bio azopolymer with two different set-ups: one with the projection of an optical interference pattern and the other one by molecular self-organization with one single laser beam. These two set-ups allow the re-writing of pattern after erasing and its inscription in vitro. PC12 cells were cultured on the bio-photoswitching patterned polymer and compared with PC12 cells growing on a well know substrate: poly-l-lysine. This result is of interest for facilitating contact guidance and designing reconfigurable scaffold for neural network formation in vitro.

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► We have synthesized a new bio compatible polymer containing photoswitching molecules.
► This biopolymer can be patterned and erased with ease.
► We show the possibility to induce a pattern on the surface with a laser when the biopolymer thin film is immersed in a buffer solution.
► PC12 cells were cultured on the bio-photoswitching patterned polymer and compared with PC12 cells growing on a well know substrate: poly-l-lysine.