Patterning of cancerous cells driven by a combined modification of mechanical and chemical properties of the substrate

Abstract In this paper the combined effect of elasticity and chemical properties of the substrate on cellular behavior is applied to control the spatial arrangement of bladder cancer cells (HCV29). For this purpose regular and isotropic patterns of polystyrene (PS) are fabricated on a soft polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) matrix. The topography and chemical composition of the patterns are determined using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS), respectively, whereas fluorescence microscopy provides information on cellular location. Obtained results show that cells locate preferentially on the soft PDMS matrix whereas the stiffer and presenting weaker adhesive properties PS regions remain unoccupied. This effect may be used for spatial control of adhesion and proliferation of cells over the large areas.