(Invited) nanoengineered Surfaces for Modulating Cell-Surface Interaction and Sensing Applications

The greatest challenge in the field of biomaterials is the understanding and prediction of long-term biological responses in patients receiving implantable materials. Reconstructing and detailing these mechanisms may allow for more targeted approaches and highlights how immune processes are amenable to manipulation by synthetic biomaterials. Surface nanotopography and chemistry are critical factors in integrating implanted devices into tissues and in the satisfactory resolution of the wound healing process. However, how the interplay between surface chemistry and nanotopography may influence inflammatory and wound-healing pathways remains unanswered. To address this gap, 2D and 3D surfaces with nanotopography of controlled height (16, 38, and 68 nm) and lateral spacing with uniform outermost surface chemistry tailored with plasma polymerized amines (NH2), carboxyl (COOH-) and hydrocarbon (CH3-) functionalities were fabricated. These surfaces were employed to study cellular responses responsible for implant encapsulation, wound healing, and tissue regeneration. The data shows that the right combination of chemistry and nanotopography can modulate cellular adhesion, proliferation, self-differentiation, collagen deposition, and the expression of anti and pro-inflammatory signals. Furthermore, our surface engineering expertise was utilized to fabricate metal ion sensors and biosensors based on nanoporous anodic alumina (NAA) and gold nanoclusters (AuNCs). We anticipate that future explorations in this field of research will facilitate the rational design of biomedical implants and devices with physicochemical surface characteristics tailored at the nanoscale that will enhance utility and function and improve clinical outcomes.