Implementation of Fibronectin Patterning with a Raman Spectroscopy Microprobe for Focal Adhesions Studies in Cells

Abstract

The aim of this contribution is to demonstrate the possibility of performing macrometric and micrometric protein patterns in order to study focal adhesions of human cells on different materials. A laser is used to produce a pattern of extracellular matrix protein (e. g. fibronectin) as in photolithographic techniques. Maskless lithography is performed, using a common instruments such as Raman spectroscopy microprobe. This technique can be applied to all surface curvatures, different geometries and a wide range of materials. We demonstrated the resistance of fibronectin to the lithographic process. There are evidences of the functionality of fibronectin with adhesion of human HUVEC cells. © 2009 International Federation of Medical and Biological Engineering.