Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can differentiate into various cellular lineages, and also exhibit a high morphological plasticity. They can differentiate to a variety of mesenchymal cell types such as fibroblasts, adipocytes,
chondrocytes and osteoblasts.

Various types of adhering cells have been shown to be guided by patterned substrates by "contact guidance". In the case of MSCs, such guidance may be of great importance, in conjunction with the fact that a variety of chemical cues, bone promoting factors may induce osteoblastic phenotype which follows by enhanced biomineralization and creation of bone like organization.

We grow MSC's on micropatterned silicon substrates

Optical micrograph showing alignment of MSCs along Si patterns

SEM of MSC's. Left- patterned, Right - smooth silicon

AFM shows that cells occupy the groove rather than the ridge.

Crawling on patterned and smooth Si surfaces. Click images to see movies.