Corrosion Casting in the Reproduction of the Micro-Surface Topography of Fibrillar Collagen

Abstract

The interaction of cells with biomaterials is influenced by a number of factors including the chemical composition, surface charge, hydrophobicity, porosity and texture of the biomaterial. Changes in texture alone have been shown to result in reduced platelet adhesion on ventricular assist devices, reduced scar tissue formation around implanted prostheses, and enhanced biocompatability of vascular stents. In vitro growth of certain cells requires extracellular matrix components to provide the right physical and chemical stimuli for adherence, growth and differentiation. What role the texture of these materials plays, and the mechanisms responsible for the effects of substrate texture on the behavior of cells are not well understood. Previously we have used microcorrosion casting technology to replicate lymph node and other vasculature. More recently, we have used corrosion casting to replicate of the subendothelial matrix exposed when cells are damaged due to the passage of air emboli through a vessel.