Recent Advances on Surface-modified Biomaterials Promoting Selective Adhesion and Directional Migration of Cells

The surfaces and interfaces of biomaterials interact with the biological systems in multi-scale levels, and thereby influence the biological functions and comprehensive performance in vitro and in vivo. In particular, a surface promoting the selective adhesion and directional migration of desired types of cells in complex environment is extremely important in the repair and regeneration of tissues such as peripheral nerve and blood vessel, and long-term application of intracorporal devices such as intravascular implants. Therefore, surface modification of biomaterials is a facile and effective method to achieve the desired cell-biomaterials interactions. In this short review, recent advances on the surface modification of biomaterials to regulate selective cell adhesion and migration are briefly summarized. In particular, the surface properties of biomaterials are manipulated via the convenient introduction of amino groups to the ester-based polymers, the formation of polyelectrolyte multilayers, and the fabrication of topology and gradient cues, etc., followed by the association of chemical and biological signals such as collagen, heparin, hyaluronic acid, peptides and cell growth factors. The selective adhesion and directional migration of various types of cells such as endothelial cells (ECs), smooth muscle cells (SMCs), hepatocytes and Schwann cells (SCs) are achieved over the competitive counterpart cells by the use of cell-resisting substances and cell-selective motifs on gradient substrates in most cases. Recent advances on cell behaviors in three-dimensional (3D) cell-extracellular matrix (ECM)-mimicking substrates are also reviewed.

Automated summary

The surfaces and interfaces of biomaterials play a crucial role in influencing biological systems, and surface modification is an effective method to control selective cell adhesion and migration for desired cell-biomaterial interactions. Recent advances in surface modification techniques have allowed for the manipulation of cell behaviors on biomaterials in complex environments, leading to improved tissue repair and regeneration.