Poly-<scp>l</scp>-Lactic Acid Nanotubes as Soft Piezoelectric Interfaces for Biology: Controlling Cell Attachment <i>via</i> Polymer Crystallinity
Michael Smith, Thomas Chalklen, Cathrin Lindackers, Yonatan Calahorra, C.I. Howe, Alkausil Tamboli, Daniel V. Bax, David James Barrett, Ruth E. Cameron, Serena M. Best, Sohini Kar‐Narayan
Abstract
, in particular, are ideal candidates for tools within mechanobiology, given their ability to both detect and apply small forces on a length scale that is compatible with cellular dimensions. The choice of piezoelectric material is crucial to ensure compatibility with cells under investigation, both in terms of stiffness and biocompatibility. Here, we show that poly-l-lactic acid nanotubes, grown using a melt-press template wetting technique, can provide a "soft" piezoelectric interface onto which human dermal fibroblasts readily attach. Interestingly, by controlling the crystallinity of the nanotubes, the level of attachment can be regulated. In this work, we provide detailed nanoscale characterization of these nanotubes to show how differences in stiffness, surface potential, and piezoelectric activity of these nanotubes result in differences in cellular behavior.