Induced Formation of Plasma Membrane Protrusions with Porous Materials as Instructive Surfaces

Abstract

The plasma membrane is a vital component in cellular processes, and its structure has a significant impact on cellular behavior. The physical characteristics of the extracellular environment, along with the presence of surface pores, can influence the formation of membrane protrusions. Nanoporous surfaces have demonstrated their capacity to induce membrane protrusions in both adherent and non-adherent cells. This chapter presents a methodology that utilizes a nanoporous substrate with nanotopographical constraints to effectively stimulate the formation of membrane protrusions in cells.

Keywords: Cell instructive materials; Microvilli and filopodia induction; Plasma membrane shape; Porous surfaces.