Interactions between biosystems and 3D microstructured surfaces

The behavior of biological cells in contact with artificial systems depends on the mechanical properties of the surfaces, the surface chemistry and structure of the materials used. Most of the previously published cell experiments on 3D microstructures were performed on hard surfaces, i. e. surfaces that have a much higher mechanical modulus than the cells themselves.
In this thesis, new methods for the fabrication of very soft, microstructured hydrogel surfaces, with defined swelling behavior, are presented. These microstructures can be selectively modified by chemical modification to control the cell adhesion behavior on the surfaces. The behavior of the bone cancer cells (SaOS-2 cells) brought into contact with such microstructured surfaces are also investigated. Furthermore, a method for the fabrication of microstructed cryogels will be introduced as well. The cryogels and hydrogels as well as their respective fabrication process are then compared.