Polymer-Based Pseudo-3D Topological Patterning Modulates Mechanotransduction and Maturation of Smooth Muscle Cells
발표자
이예지 (포항공과대학교)
연구책임자
이준민 (포항공과대학교)
공동저자
이예지 (포항공과대학교), 송지현 (포항공과대학교), 이준민 (포항공과대학교)
초록
내용
Muscle tissues are highly sensitive to mechanical environments, highlighting the importance of polymeric scaffold design in regulating mechanotransduction. Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP) is a key mechanosensitive regulator of phenotypic modulation in human smooth muscle cells (SMCs), yet the role of polymer-based surface topology remains insufficiently understood.
Here, we investigated how pseudo-3D topological features engineered into polymer substrates influence mechanotransduction and SMC maturation. Laser-engraved polymeric scaffolds with line, cross, and curved patterns were fabricated and evaluated at different cell densities. Cross-patterned substrates at high density enhanced YAP-mediated mechanotransduction and promoted calponin-associated SMC maturation, whereas low-density conditions showed limited maturation. These results demonstrate that polymer surface topology is an effective design parameter for directing smooth muscle maturation.