Using azobenzene-embedded self-assembled monolayers to photochemically control cell adhesion reversibly

Abstract

A celling point: A mixed self-assembled monolayer comprising two types of alkanethiols - one containing an azobenzene unit terminated with a peptide, the other containing a hexa(ethylene glycol) group that resists nonspecific cell adhesion - enables cell adhesion to be modulated photochemically. The reversible conversion of the azobenzene moiety between E and Z configurations allows the surface to either support or resist cell adhesion. © 2009 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA.