Microscale three-dimensional polymeric platforms for in vitro cell culturesystems

This paper describes fabrication schemes to create multidimensional polymer ic platforms to study cell function. A key feature of these constructs is t he replication of in vivo geometry and dimensional size scales that will ai d in the understanding of fundamental cell-environment interactions. Advant ages of these microtextured membranes include the high degree of reproducib ility, optical clarity, and the ability to create multiple features on the Micron and sub-Micron size scale. We have demonstrated the creation of cont rolled microscale features on hydrogels as well as biodegradable materials such as poly(lactic-glycolic acid). These microtopographies selectively deg rade under physiological conditions. Because of the flexibility of substrat e material and the ease of creating micron size structures, this technique can be applied to a multitude of physiological and biological systems.