Effects of a Cell-Imprinted Poly(dimethylsiloxane) Surface on the Cellular Activities of MG63 Osteoblast-like Cells: Preparation of a Patterned Surface, Surface Characterization, and Bone Mineralization

To understand the relationship between surface patterns and cellular activities, various types of pattern models have been investigated. In this study, we suggest a new surface pattern model, which replicates proliferated cells. We used osteoblast-like cells (MG63) as a target cell pattern and constructed various cell-imprinted surfaces using an electric field assisted casting method for different culturing times (4 h and 7 and 14 days). On the basis of scanning electron microscopy images and three-dimensional topographical optical images, we acquired the cells' unique patterns and used them for replicating patterned substrates. We then cultured MG63 cells in the patterned surfaces for 7 and 14 days to observe various cellular activities, cell viability, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, and mineralization. Higher cellular activities were observed on the roughened surface as compared with the smooth surface. In particular, we obtained the most appropriate roughness value (R-a = 702 +/- 87 nm) from proliferated cells cultured over 14 days. On the basis of these findings, we demonstrate a new biomimical surface model that enhances cellular activities at the cell-substrate interface.