TiO2 Nanospikes Micro-Areas on Rutile Single Crystal Surfaces Determine Arrangements of Rat Aortic Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells

We have created a well-defined nanotopography contrast, i.e. nanospikes vs flat on micron sized squares on rutile TiO2 single crystal surfaces. The applied lithography method bases on energetic (MeV) heavy ions irradiation through masks and acid etching. This method generates a permanent and chemical robust nanostructure. These patterned substrates have been employed as a support for inmunofluorescence assays of rat aortic vascular smooth muscle cells. The obtained results confirmed the cell viability on these substrates after 24 hours from seeding and, a clear selective arrangement of the cells around the nanopatterned zones. The arrangement evidences the higher affinity of the rat aortic vascular smooth muscle cells for the non-nanostructured zones.