Surface Patterning of Self-healing P(MMA/ n BA) Copolymer for Dynamic Control Cell Behaviors

Cell behaviors are regulated by a dynamic and complex environment characterized by biophysical, mechanical and biochemical properties. However, most works regulate cell behaviors under static conditions or by external factors. To control cell adhesion and proliferation with a dynamic and mechanical environment, we pattern the surface on self-healing copolymer P(MMA/nBA). The copolymer P(MMA/nBA) with the composition of 48/52 (MMA/nBA) recovers nearly 100% of its original tensile strains after 86 h of recovery from deformation. The physical patterns on P(MMA/nBA) film are obtained over large areas and the size of the hole and the width of connecting bar are in line with the copper grid specifications. The patterned surface tends to be flat after 12 h with almost 75%-80% recovery. Compared with cell incubation on polystyrene flat and patterned surface of P(MMA/nBA) film without self-healing capability, the number and morphology of cells are well manipulated on the patterned surface of self-healing P(MMA/nBA) film. This approach provides a convenient method for dynamically regulating the cell behaviors on the surface of self-healing materials without chemical or biological modifications.