A simplified approach to control cell adherence on biologically derived in vitro cell culture scaffolds by direct UV-mediated RGD linkage

In this work, we present a method to fabricate a hyaluronic acid (HA) hydrogel with spatially controlled cell-adhesion properties based on photo-polymerisation cross-linking and functionalization. The approach utilises the same reaction pathway for both steps meaning that it is user-friendly and allows for adaptation at any stage during the fabrication process. Moreover, the process does not require any additional cross-linkers. The hydrogel is formed by UV-initiated radical addition reaction between acrylamide (Am) groups on the HA backbone. Cell adhesion is modulated by functionalising the adhesion peptide sequence arginine–glycine–aspartate onto the hydrogel surface via radical mediated thiol–ene reaction using the non-reacted Am groups. We show that 10 × 10 µm(2) squares could be patterned with sharp features and a good resolution. The smallest area that could be patterned resulting in good cell adhesion was 25 × 25 µm(2) squares, showing single-cell adhesion. Mouse brain endothelial cells adhered and remained in culture for up to 7 days on 100 × 100 µm(2) square patterns. We see potential for this material combination for future use in novel organ-on-chip models and tissue engineering where the location of the cells is of importance and to further study endothelial cell biology. [Image: see text]