Modulation of Cell Reprogramming to Pluripotency by Complex Surface Nanotopographies

The project aims to use surface nanotopography and chemical approaches to improve the efficiency and/or quality of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) by changing cell behavior at biomaterial surfaces. The significance is that iPSCs have enormous potential in stem cell therapy, regenerative medicine, and disease-specific treatment, with the potential to replace embryonic stem cells (ESCs) or other stem cell types. The expected outcomes are that cellular reprogramming process for iPSCs generation will be improved and the expensive reprogramming factors could be reduced using surface nanotopographies and chemistry. A new family of substrate called monolayer binary colloidal crystals (BCCs) which was developed in our group recently, will be used in this study. The benefits are the promotion of productivity, the reduction of costs, and the application of iPSC derivatives, aimed at future clinical applications.