Design and fabrication of microstructured and switchable biological surfaces

Yeung, Chun L. (2011). Design and fabrication of microstructured and switchable biological surfaces. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

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Abstract

The research presented in this thesis explores the design and fabrication of microstructured and switchable biological surfaces, which may have potential applications of nanobiotechnology. The thesis focuses on the fabrication of biological surfaces which can be controlled via external stimuli.
Chapter 1 - Introduction to Nanobiotechnology - presents an introduction to the background of this research including the role of self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) in nanobiotechnology, microstructure fabrication techniques, stimuli responsive surfaces and cell migration.
Chapter 2 - Surface characterization techniques - presents surface characterization techniques employed throughout this research.
Chapter 3 - Study of Arp2/3 complex activity in filopodia of spreading cells using patterned biological surfaces - presents the fabrication and characterization of patterned biological (fibronectin) surfaces using patterning technology (microcontact printing) and several surface analytical techniques. This study explores the role of filopodia in the spreading of Mouse Embryonic fibroblast (MEF) cells and the function of Arp2/3 complex in this process. The results demonstrated that filopodia, produced by MEF cells interacted with the patterned fibronectin surface and guided lamellipodia protrusion. Arp2/3 complex, which is absent on the filopodia adhesion site, does not facilitate in the adhesion of filopodia on the fibronectin surface.
Chapter 4 - Tuning specific biomolecular interactions using electro-switchable oligopeptide surfaces - presents the fabrication of responsive surfaces that rely on electro-switchable peptides to control biomolecular interactions on gold surfaces. This system is based upon the conformational switching of positively charged oligolysine peptides that are tethered to a gold surface. The bioactive molecular moieties (biotin) terminates on the oligolysines can be reversibly exposed (bio-active state) or concealed (bio-inactive state) on demand, as a function of surface potential.
Chapter 5 - Experimental procedures, protocols and synthesis - describes the experimental techniques used during the investigations performed throughout the work described in this thesis. Experimental protocols and data analysis by various equipment are described.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ph.D.

Supervisor(s):