Functionalization of adhesion sites for cell attachment on a silicon microsystem

Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSC) are multipotent adult stem cells that are predominantly obtained from the bone marrow. MSC have a high ability to differentiate into a multitude of cell types that are very attractive for tissue engineering. To study the effects of mechanical strain on this kind of cells, we have developed a silicon microsystem (see the photograph below). The main objective of this semester project will be to create functionalized adhesion sites for fibroblasts and MSC attachment on a silicon device. First, the student will have to find and test different methods which could be used to promote single-cell adhesion on silicon. Then, he will have to adapt this method to our system and perform preliminary tests with fibroblasts.