Improved fibroblast functionalities by microporous pattern fabricated by microelectromechanical systems

Abstract

Fibroblasts, which play an important role in biological seal formation and maintenance, determine the long-term success of percutaneous implants. In this study, well-defined microporous structures with micropore diameters of 10-60 μm were fabricated by microelectromechanical systems and their influence on the fibroblast functionalities was observed. The results show that the microporous structures with micropore diameters of 10-60 μm did not influence the initial adherent fibroblast number; however, those with diameters of 40 and 50 μm improved the spread, actin stress fiber organization, proliferation and fibronectin secretion of the fibroblasts. The microporous structures with micropore diameters of 40-50 μm may be promising for application in the percutaneous part of an implant. © 2014 by the authors; licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.