Nanotopological Surfaces: Microfabricated Nanotopological Surfaces for Study of Adhesion‐Dependent Cell Mechanosensitivity (Small 1/2013)

The cover shows a scanning electron microscopy image of adhesive cells on a nanotopographic surface. Nanoscale roughness can be precisely controlled and spatially patterned on glass surfaces with a microfabrication method using photolithography and reactive ion etching. This technique, described on page 81, is used by J. Fu and co-workers to understand adhesion-dependent cell mechanosensitivity to nanotopological cues. Nanoscale topological features provide a potent regulatory signal over a diverse range of NIH/3T3 fibroblast behaviors, including cell morphology, adhesion, proliferation, and migration. The topological sensing of NIH/3T3 fibroblasts includes feedback regulation and mechanical-biochemical integration.