Cell sheet patterning using photo-cleavable polymers

• DOI: 10.1038/pj.2011.51
• Publication Date: 2011-06-08T06:04:49Z
• Authors: Monica Apostol; Tatsiana Mironava; Nan-Loh Yang; Nadine Pernodet; Miriam H Rafailovich
• Keywords: Petri dish; Ultraviolet; Dermal fibroblast

We have found that poly (4-vinylpyridine) (P4VP) and poly (methylmethacrylate) thin films can be etched with ultraviolet A (UVA) radiation. Furthermore, we also found that dermal fibroblasts could be cultured successfully on the P4VP polymer, with a doubling time comparable to tissue culture Petri dish standards. Consequently, we were able to grow tissue on P4VP substrates, this could easily be lifted using UVA radiation. The cell sheets that were removed were then re-plated at a lower density and a series of assays was performed at 3 and 6 days. Although only a small amount of damage was discernable at day 3 nearly complete recovery was observed at day 6. The technique was used to pattern areas within the tissue, where other types of cells could be inserted. To demonstrate the technique, a hybrid tissue layer was produced, in which the dermal fibroblasts in a circular area at the center of the sample were removed by exposure through a mask. A keratinocyte layer was inserted, which adhere to the fibroblast layer forming a tissue with integrated layers of two distinct cell types. This article describes a new polymer, which is photosensitive and can be used for cell culture. Consequently, the tissue cultured on this polymer can be etched through a mask using ultraviolet A to produce patterned regions with different types of cells.