Novel functionalization of discrete polymeric biomaterial microstructures for applications in imaging and three-dimensional manipulation.

Adapting ways to functionalize polymer materials is becoming increasingly important to their implementation in translational biomedical sciences. By tuning the mechanical, chemical, and biological qualities of these materials, their applications can be broadened, opening the door for more advanced integration into modern medical techniques. Here, we report on a method to integrate chemical functionalizations into discrete, microscale polymer structures, which are used for tissue engineering applications, for in vivo localization, and three-dimensional manipulation. Iron oxide nanoparticles were incorporated into the polymer matrix using common photolithographic techniques to create stably functional microstructures with magnetic potential. Using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), we can promote visualization of microstructures contained in small collections, as well as facilitate the manipulation and alignment of microtopographical cues in a realistic tissue environment. Using similar polymer functionaliza...