Sol–gel-derived hierarchically wrinkled mesoporous ceramics for enhancement of cell alignment
Journal
Chemical Engineering Journal
Journal Volume
405
Date Issued
2021-02-01
Author(s)
Xie, Yi Ting
Chen, Jun Rong
Chen, Yu Ting
Jiang, Bing Cheng
Sie, Zong Han
Hsu, Han Yi
Chen, Ting Lun
Hsueh, Han Yu
Abstract
Hierarchical ceramic structures offer great potential for multitudinous industrial applications (e.g., cell alignment) due to their intrinsic hydrophilic and environmental resistance properties. However, to date, the fabrication of hierarchical ceramic structures requires specific equipment (e.g., high vacuum systems) and time-consuming processes; such requirements limit the practical utilization of hierarchical ceramics. In this study, we combined ceramic thin films produced from interfacial sol–gel reactions and surface wrinkling from elastomer cross-linking contraction; we conducted a dynamic interfacial release process to fabricate hierarchically wrinkled mesoporous ceramic surfaces on soft elastomers. The parameters of sol–gel reactions, including precursors, acid/base-catalysts, aging time, and temperature, were systematically controlled to demonstrate the feasibility of sol–gel reactions for fabrication of hierarchically mesoporous ceramic wrinkled surfaces (i.e., mesopores on a microsized wrinkled surface). Furthermore, the wrinkled surfaces demonstrated great enhancement of growth alignment of human blood vessel cells. Thus, we developed a simple (yet cost-effective), mold-free, large-area, and hierarchical ceramic wrinkle formation process; it can be used in many practical applications, such as cell culture, microfluidic chips, antiskidding surfaces, antiglare structures, and photoelectric devices.
Subjects
Cell alignment | Hierarchical | Porous | Sol–gel | Wrinkle
Type
journal article