Exploration of possible cell chirality using material techniques of surface patterning

Consistent left-right (LR) asymmetry or chirality is critical for embryonic development and function maintenance. While chirality on either molecular or organism level has been well established, that on the cellular level has remained an open question for a long time. Although it remains unclear whether chirality exists universally on the cellular level, valuable effort s have recently been made to explore this fundamental topic pertinent to both cell biology and biomaterial science. The development of material fabrication techniques, surface patterning, in particular, has afforded a unique platform to study cell material interactions. By using patterning techniques, chirality on the cellular level has been examined for cell clusters and single cells in vitro in well-designed experiments. In this review, we first introduce typical fabrication techniques of surface patterning suitable for cell studies and then summarize the main aspects of preliminary evidence of cell chirality on patterned surfaces to date. We finally indicate the limitations of the studies conducted thus far and describe the perspectives of future research in this challenging field. Statement of significance While both biomacromolecules and organisms can exhibit chirality, it is not yet conclusive whether a cell has left-right (LR) asymmetry. It is important yet challenging to study and reveal the possible existence of cell chirality. By using the technique of surface patterning, the recent decade has witnessed progress in the exploration of possible cell chirality within cell clusters and single cells. Herein, some important preliminary evidence of cell chirality is collected and analyzed. The open questions and perspectives are also described to promote further investigations of cell chirality in biomaterials. (c) 2021 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This review explores the topic of cell chirality at the cellular level, focusing on recent progress using surface patterning techniques to study chirality in cell clusters and individual cells. While there are limitations in current studies, there is potential for further research in this challenging field.