Particle Stiffness and Surface Topography Determine Macrophage‐Mediated Removal of Surface Adsorbed Particles

Cellular surface recognition and behavior are driven by a host of physical and chemical features which have been exploited to influence particle–cell interactions. Mechanical and topographical cues define the physical milieu which plays an important role in defining a range of cellular activities such as material recognition, adhesion, and migration through cytoskeletal organization and signaling. In order to elucidate the effect of local mechanical and topographical features generated by the adsorption of particles to an underlying surface on primary human monocyte‐derived macrophages (MDM), a series of poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (pNIPAM) particles with differing rigidity are self‐assembled to form a defined particle‐decorated surface. Assembly of particle‐decorated surfaces is facilitated by modification of the underlying glass to possess a positive charge through functionalization using 3‐aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) or coating with poly(L‐lysine) (PLL). MDMs are noted to preferentially remove particles with higher degrees of crosslinking (stiffer) than those with lower degrees of crosslinking (softer). Alterations to the surface density of particles enabled a greater area of the particle‐decorated surface to be cleared. Uniquely, the impact of particle adsorption is evinced to have a direct impact on topographical recognition of the surface, suggesting a novel approach for controllably affecting cell‐surface recognition and response. Mechanical properties play a key role in cellular object recognition. The capability of macrophages to clear surface debris is shown to be contingent on the mechanical compliance of the target. Involvement of topographical signaling cues is demonstrated to provide insight into substrate‐mediated interactions.