Controls of cell-cell networking and analyses of oligo-cell fuctions on patterned cell array surface

It is very difficult to construct of regenerative tissues without understanding cell functions because cell functions extremely change in the course of growing into tissue and organs. Thus analyses of from single to oligo-cell functions are important. We have succeeded in controlling the number of cells with differentiation of patterned domain sizes, utilizing hydrophilic surfaces and weak UV excimer laser ablation. The features of this technique are easier preparation and more stable surfaces during long period cell culture in comparison with μCP method. Cultured cardiomyocytes connecting two separate domains exhibited more stable and rhythmical beating rhythms than those cultured on a domain. These results suggest that this cell array is useful for investigation of cell functions in single or oligo-cell range.