The CBC array was developed using Dynamic Laser Interference Lithography (DLIL), pioneered by Professor Lee's group. This method allows them to create over 1 million nanoscale patterns on a single platform. These patterns range from simple lines to more complex grids and hierarchical designs, with sizes varying from 100 nanometers to several microns—thousands of times smaller than the width of a human hair.
To efficiently analyze the massive amount of data generated by this array, the team employed machine learning, specifically an algorithm known as Gaussian process regression. This allowed them to identify specific surface patterns that either suppress (pro-M2) or promote (pro-M1) specific immune cell behaviors related to inflammation.
Further studies using these nanotopographies revealed that the physical structure of these surfaces can affect the cell's internal structure and key biological pathways. In particular, they found that changes in the cells' cytoskeleton and the activation of certain genetic pathways play a crucial role in how these cells respond to the physical cues they encounter.
In summary, this innovative work combines cutting-edge nanofabrication, high-throughput screening, machine learning, and mechanobiology to offer a new way of studying and potentially controlling immune responses. The next step for this technology is to use it to gain deeper insights into how specific surface structures regulate macrophage behavior and inflammation. Moreover, Professor Lee’s group envisions that this platform could guide the design of new nanostructured coatings for medical implants and therapeutic materials, enhancing their compatibility and effectiveness in the human body.
PUBLICATION: This work was recently published in ACS Nano. (https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsnano.4c04406)
DOI: doi/10.1021/acsnano.4c04406
AUTHORS: Yannan Hou, Brandon Conklin, Hye Kyu Choi, Letao Yang, and Ki-Bum Lee
CORRESPONDENCE: Prof. Ki-Bum Lee (Rutgers University), https://kblee.rutgers.edu/
Prof. KiBum Lee
Yannan Hou
Brandon Conklin
Dr. Hye Kyu Choi
Prof. Letao Yang