Laser-engineered topography: correlation between structure dimensions and cell control

Topographical cues have a significant impact on cell responses and by this means, on the fabrication of innovative implant materials. However, analysis of cell-topography interactions in dependence of the surface feature dimensions is still challenging due to limitations in the fabrication technology. Here, we introduce surface structuring via picosecond laser systems, which enable a fast production of micro-sized topologies. Changes in the processing parameters further control the feature sizes of so-called spikes. Using surfaces with big and small spike-to-spike-distances for comparisons, we focussed on cell adhesion via extracellular matrix adsorption and focal adhesion complexes, morphology, localisation and proliferation of fibroblasts. The observed cell control was dependent on a turnover point related to the structure dimensions: only big spike-to-spike-distances reduced cell behaviour. Therefore, this technology offers a platform to study cell and tissue interactions with a defined microenvironment.