Amino- and carboxy-functionalized nano- and microstructured surfaces for evaluating the impact of non-biological stimuli on adhesion, proliferation and differentiation of primary skin-cells

To gain basic insight into the impact of non-biological features on cells' behaviour, primary skin-cells (keratinocytes and fibroblasts) were cultured on amine-functionalized or carboxy-functionalized planar, nano- or microstructured surfaces. Sintered layers of silica nano- or microparticles were used to fabricate structures in the range of naturally occurring structure-sizes. Organo-chemical functionalization was achieved using organo-functional silanes. Primary skin cells isolated from human foreskin were cultivated on these interfaces. Keratinocytes showed significantly better adhesion and proliferation on amino-functionalized surfaces than on carboxy-functionalized surfaces. On amino-functional surfaces decreasing proliferation was detected from planar to microstructured surfaces. Fibroblasts tended to proliferate stronger on carboxylated surfaces. Actin and vinculin, a protein involved in the formation of focal adhesions, were equally expressed on all surfaces, proofing intact cell-substrate contacts.