The influence of topographic microstructures on the initial adhesion of L929 fibroblasts studied by single-cell force spectroscopy.

ABSTRACT: Single-cell force spectroscopy was used to investigate the initial adhesion of L929 fibroblasts onto periodically grooved titanium microstructures (height ~6 μm, groove width 20 μm). The position-dependent local adhesion strength of the cells was correlated with their rheological behavior. Spherical cells exhibited a significantly lower Young's modulus (<1 kPa) than that reported for spread cells, and their elastic properties can roughly be explained by the Hertz model for an elastic sphere. While in contact with the planar regions of the substrate, the cells started to adapt their shape through slight ventral flattening. The process was found to be independent of the applied contact force for values between 100 and 1,000 pN. The degree of flattening correlated with the adhesion strength d

SUBMITTER: Elter P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3045512 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature