Double Linear Gradient Biointerfaces for Determining Two-Parameter Dependent Stem Cell Behavior

Two-parameter contributions of stiffness and wettability display altered behavior of hBM-MSCs as compared to solely investigating the wettability of the biointerface with a homogenous stiffness. The importance of double parameter influence is identified by using newly developed double linear wettability-stiffness gradients. The interfaces show that substrate stiffness can influence cell adhesion and spreading both positively and negatively in combination with wettability. This effect is validated by decoupling the stiffness gradient using a wettability gradient composed of a monolayer on glass ensuring a homogenous stiffness.