Addressable Cell Microarrays via Switchable Superhydrophobic Surfaces

Abstract

Here we describe an approach to fabricate addressable cell microarrays, which are based on the patterned switchable superhydrophobic surfaces. The switchable superhydrophobic surfaces were prepared by roughening the surfaces of fluoropolymers on the electrodes. Upon the application of 150 V to the underneath electrodes, the water contact angle on the roughened fluoropolymer surfaces could be decreased from 163 degrees to less than 10 degrees allowing the deposition of fibronectin, which could guide the growth of the cells. Our result indicated that it was possible to control the spatial distribution of two different cells on the cell microarrays. (C) Koninklijke Brill NV, Leiden, 2010