Date/Time
Date(s) - 02/28/2011
4:45 pm - 5:35 pm

This study examines hierarchical combinations polymers that have used to produce engineered surfaces, which elicit micro-topographical and chemical cues in biological systems. Nature provides complex chemical forms of polymers that are manipulated through both conformational and configurational forms to yield specific functions.  Our recent studies have been focused on the design of polymeric surfaces that can be used as models in the study of biological adhesion mechanisms.  The recent expansion of bioengineering has increased our need for better models of cellular adhesion and chemical manipulation of surfaces. 

A process commonly referred to as contact guidance has been shown to modulate cell shape and function in a variety of cell types. Cell adhesion and motility are both dependent upon the patterned surface topography and chemistry.  This presentation will focus on the influence of the thermodynamic state of patterned surfaces on cell attachment and morphology.  Our recent results using endothelial and smooth muscle cell response to topography demonstrate the significance of both topography and chemistry.