Advanced Materials, Vol.24, No.41, 5543-5547, 2012
Controlling Spatial Organization of Multiple Cell Types in Defined 3D Geometries
A simple method to control spatial organizations of multiple cell types in predefined geometries by using poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-based dynamic microwells is described. Dynamic microwells are used to pattern two different cell types in a spatially controlled manner by exploiting their shape changing properties at two different temperatures. Both spatial organization of two different cell types and control of pattern geometry are achieved with circular and square dynamic microwells.
Keywords:cell patterning;biological complexity;tissue engineering;microstructures;thermoresponsive platforms;multicellular organization;cancer biology;developmental biology;drug discovery