Effect on liver cells of stepwise microstructures fabricated in a photosensitive biodegradable polymer by softlithography

Two types of scaffolds composed of microstructured chambers made in a photosensitive biodegradable polymer were microfabricated by softlithography techniques. The fabrication process is fast and flexible. single- and multi-stepwise microstructures could be fabricated on one polymer layer forming an array of microstructured chambers. The static cell culture of Hep G2 cells and fetal human hepatocyte (FHH) cells were successfully performed on those microstructured layers and show the biocompatibility of this polymer. Morphological observations have shown various tissue-like behaviours during the static cell culture of Hep G2 and FHH cells such as cells aggregations and 3D arrangements. As a first physiological response of the cells to the stepwise structures, the albumin production rate has shown a higher cell activity in the microstructured chambers compared to conventional flat dish cultures. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.