A low-cost alternative method of generating fibronectin micropatterned lines for cellular applications

Abstract

The cellular microenvironment contributes to the architecture, differentiation, polarity, mechanics and functions of the cell [1]. Spatial confinement of cells using micropatterning techniques allows to alter and regulate the cellular microenvironment for a better understanding of cellular mechanisms [2]. However, commercially available micropatterned consumables such as coverslips, dishes, plates etc. are expensive.

These methods are complex and based on deep UV patterning [3,4]. In this study, we establish a low-cost method for effective micropatterning using Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) chips. • We demonstrate this method by generating fibronectin-coated micropatterned lines (width, 5 µm) on a glass bottom dish.

• As a proof of concept, we culture macrophages on these lines. We additionally show that this method allows to determine the cellular polarity by measuring the position of the nucleus within a cell on a micropatterned line.