abstract |
A method for measuring surface-induced cellular behavior that includes one or more lithographically patterned, functionalizable structures on a substrate, for example gold islands or grooved quartz, in contact with a fluid and in registry with at least one living cell for a plurality of times. The structures' shape, height, pitch and ordering are controlled by the lithographic process, such that the physical cues imparted to the cell by topography can be tuned independently of the chemical biofunctionality which is subsequently imparted via surface chemistry. Cellular behavior data, such as adhesion, migration, differentiation, division, secretion, apoptosis and necrosis, is measured using imaging sensors in relation to the surface topography and surface chemistry for a plurality of times. |