Bioinspired Conical Micropattern Modulates Cell Behaviors

The physical properties and topological cues of a micro/nanopattern affect both cell functional activity and tissue regeneration. In this study, we developed a bioinspired approach to fabricate a microconical pattern mimicking the wing structure of beetle Coleoptera. The bioinspired micropattern with multistructural hierarchy was first screened from eight representative insect families of coleopteran. Then, we fabricated a conical micropattern through a two-step nanoimprint lithography technology. We found that human adult fibroblast cells on the bioinspired micropattern substrate had a larger spread area and higher proliferation efficiency than those on flat polydimethylsiloxane. The physical properties and topological cues affect cell functional activity. Through in situ cell motility tracking, we found that conical pillars provided specific attachment points as a mechanotransduction foundation for cell attachment to spread. The holding pillar on the bioinspired surface facilitates the actin and vimentin filament assembly into mature straightened bundles in the cytoplasm. This bioinspired substrate is transparent, flexible, and easy to fabricate. Moreover, it provides a novel in situ platform to investigate cell behaviors.