(93e) Microcontact Printing of Viruses for Spatial Control of Gene Delivery

Spatial organization of gene expression is a crucial element in the development of complex native tissues. As tissue engineering strategies continue to expand and overcome significant barriers, the capacity to achieve spatially controlled gene expression profiles in a tissue engineering construct is still a considerable difficulty. To address this critical need, we are developing a platform technology based on the adeno-associated virus (AAV) that will enable tissue engineers to obtain specific, spatially organized expression of genes in a population of cells. First, we used polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) stamps to pattern various alkanethiol solutions onto gold-coated substrates. The spatial dimensions of these patterns can be tailored easily to the desired tissue engineering application. Viral particles carrying genes of interest were immobilized on the patterned substrates, creating a spatially organized arrangement of gene delivery vectors. Cells were subsequently seeded on top of the virus pattern, resulting in viral transduction and spatially localized gene expression. This flexible platform allows for the specific patterning of various gene and shRNA cassettes, resulting in spatially defined gene expression profiles that may promote the generation of highly functional tissue.