Focal adhesion regulates osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells and osteoblasts

Yang Zhao, Qing Sun, Bo Huo

Figure 1. Micropatterned substrate and cell culture. (A) The process of micropatterning. (B) Bright-field images of micropatterned substrates. (C) Bright-field images of cells cultured on the micropatterned or blank substrates for 3 days. The yellow lines show the outline of the cells. The free-spreading cells showed polygons, while the spreading area of the patterned cells decreased. Scale bars: 50 μm. (D) Spread area at 3 days of cell culture. (E, F) Statistical analysis of the area and number of adhesive islands after 3 days of culture. Data are presented as mean ± SD (n = 3), and were analysed by one-way analysis of variance followed by Tukey’s post hoc analysis. CON: control (freely spreading group); LL: large circles with large spacing; MSC: mesenchymal stem cell; PDMS: polydimethylsiloxane; SL: small circles with large spacing; SS: small circles with small spacing; UV: ultraviolet.