Precise, biomimetic replication of the multiscale structure of intestinal basement membrane using chemical vapor deposition

Abstract

While it has been shown that cells respond to topographical cues, most studies of the influence of topography have been restricted to culture substrates with regular, single-scale features, such as grooves. In contrast, in vivo topography is highly complex, irregular, and multiscale. In this work, we demonstrate the use of chemical vapor deposition (CVD) on native tissue to fabricate a precise nonbiological replica of irregular macro-to-microscale biological topography. Specifically, the porcine intestinal basement membrane was decellularized and used as a template to create a silica replica from which tissue was removed to produce a free-standing topographically biomimetic silica film. Preservation of the crypt-villus structure (tens to hundreds of micrometers in scale), which is theorized to influence intestinal cell development and behavior, as well as the porosity of the native tissue membrane (1-5 μM in scale), was demonstrated; however, submicrometer topography appeared to be masked by ball-like structures believed to be a result of the CVD process. CVD process parameters, including reactor pressure and deposition temperature, were explored in efforts to enhance structural and mechanical integrity of the silica replica. A rigid inorganic replica can be used as a template for casting of biocompatible polymeric membranes; thus, this is the first step in fabricating cell culture substrates that precisely mimic their in vivo counterparts in terms of irregular, multiscale topography.