Wettability Influences Cell Behavior on Superhydrophobic Surfaces with Different Topographies

TLDR

Surface wettability and topography are critical factors influencing cell behavior on biomaterials, yet few studies have examined cell responses on surfaces with extreme wettability combined with topography. This study aims to determine whether surface topography and polymer type affect cell behavior on superhydrophobic surfaces. The authors fabricated biomimetic superhydrophobic rough surfaces of polystyrene and poly(L‑lactic acid) via phase‑separation and examined cell attachment and proliferation using MC3T3‑E1 osteoblasts and primary bovine articular chondrocytes. Rough superhydrophobic surfaces adsorb less protein, support cell adhesion but inhibit proliferation, whereas smooth surfaces promote both attachment and growth, indicating that wettability—not polymer type or topography—dominates cell behavior.

Abstract

Surface wettability and topography are recognized as critical factors influencing cell behavior on biomaterials. So far only few works have reported cell responses on surfaces exhibiting extreme wettability in combination with surface topography. The goal of this work is to study whether cell behavior on superhydrophobic surfaces is influenced by surface topography and polymer type. Biomimetic superhydrophobic rough surfaces of polystyrene and poly(L-lactic acid) with different micro/nanotopographies were obtained from smooth surfaces using a simple phase-separation based method. Total protein was quantified and showed a less adsorption of bovine serum albumin onto rough surfaces as compared to smooth surfaces of the same material. The mouse osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cell line and primary bovine articular chondrocytes were used to study cell attachment and proliferation. Cells attached and proliferate better in the smooth surfaces. The superhydrophobic surfaces allowed cells to adhere but inhibited their proliferation. This study indicates that surface wettability, rather than polymer type or the topography of the superhydrophobic surfaces, is a critical factor in determining cell behavior.