Full length ArticleEffects of SiO2 micropillar arrays on endothelial cells' morphology

- Silicon dioxide (SiO2) micropillars are fabricated from macroporous silicon formed on low doped p-type silicon.
- Micropillar arrays were chemically modified following the sequence APTES + GTA + Collagen.
- HAECs' behaviour on modified SiO2 micropillars has been studied.
- Three-dimensional structure plays a key role in controlling the morphology and growth rate of HAECs.
- Cellular behaviour is influenced by the arrangement of micropillars.

Native tissues are highly organised at the microscale, so that modulating scaffold microarchitecture is a potent tool to mimic natural tissue structures. Moreover, three-dimensional microtopographical features are now being used to elucidate how extracellular physical cues can directly modulate cell behaviour and organise complex cellular processes such as cell differentiation and tissue organisation. Recent advances in microtechnology have allowed the development of platforms that can be used to further understand and control the complex interactions occurring between biointerfaces and living cells. In this paper, we discuss the use of three-dimensional microstructured substrates such as silicon dioxide micropillars, to interface with living cells. Human aortic endothelial cells were used to assess the biocompatibility of these substrates. Methodological investigations were performed to determine the influence of substrate topography on cell adhesion and growth. The changes on cell spreading and cell morphology induced by the substrates were qualified and quantified using scanning electron and fluorescence confocal microscopy.

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