Manipulating cell migration by adjusting extracellular matrix micropattern

Abstract

Cell movement is essential for all living things and is a crucial component of organism development, inflammation, and wound healing. It is dependent on a myriad of factors both intrinsic and extrinsic. Cell movement is governed by its surrounding microenvironments, such as distribution of proteins, signaling molecules, and mechanical geometry. This research project aimed to explore cell migration through manipulation of the protein micropattern on which cells would be able to build up cell-substrate junction. These protein micropatterns which mimic the wound assay in vitro, allowed for a closer observation into gap size and curvature effects on wound healing. With microcontact printing technique, micropatterned extra cellular matrix protein was coated on the substrate, and the cells were confined within the micropattern area. The cell movement was observed upon different micropatterns, detailed view of the gap closure process was recorded and analysed to study the factors that affect it. The knowledge garnered in this study could provide further insight into the process of wound healing in vivo as well as the mechanisms that drive diverse biological processes with collective cell movement at their core.