Patent Description:
A macrophage is the main cell responsible for innate immunity. Most of the macrophages are fixed in the whole body, but some of the macrophages are present in the form of monocytes in the blood. The monocytes may be divided into dendritic cells or macrophages. Most of the macrophages are fixed, representatively include dust cells, microglial cells, Kupffer cells, and Langerhans cell, and the like, and the macrophages are distributed throughout the body. When antigens invade, the macrophages eat the antigens or secrete toxins to destroy and remove the antigens, and deliver antigens to lymphocytes and trigger an immune response. When an enemy invades the wound, the monocytes in the blood go out of the blood vessels like neutrophils and are divided into macrophages to remove bacteria. Further, the macrophages are divided into a free form which moves to various places in the body and performs phagocytosis, and a fixed form which is fixed to designated organs and performs phagocytosis. The macrophages in the fixed form include liver Kupffer cells, alveolar macrophages, connective tissue structure (histiocyte), and brain microglia cells, and the like.

As described above, as a method of efficiently controlling the regeneration and anti-inflammatory effects of macrophages, a technology through the presentation of ligands in vivo is used. However, there is a problem in that the existing micro-scale integrin ligand peptide (RGD) uncaging controls the adhesion of host macrophages, but does not control the functional phenotypic polarization of macrophages.

Stem cells can proliferate through self-renewal, and have the potential to differentiate into various cells, such as bone, fat, muscle, myocardium, blood vessels, and cartilage. Recently, to regenerate damaged tissues and organs by using these characteristics, many studies have been conducted on transplantation of stem cells or cells differentiated from stem cells. In addition, biomaterials that can help stem cells to differentiate into specific cells are also being actively studied.

As a method of efficiently controlling the regenerative effect of stem cells, a technology through the presentation of ligand in vivo is used. However, there is a problem in that the existing micro-scale integrin ligand peptide (RGD) uncaging controls the adhesion of host stem cells, but does not control the differentiation of stem cells.

Non-Patent Document <NUM> describes multilayered or multisegment barcode nanowires (BNW) comprising Fe-Au segments, which are synthesized via pulsed electrodeposition. The metallic Fe (iron)-Au (gold) BNW-based platform in this document is designed for capturing CD8 T cells and the interferon-y (gamma) they secrete by coupling specific ligands (antibodies) to the the respective segments.

Non-Patent Document <NUM> describes magnetical enrichment of CD4+ T lymphocytes using ferromagnetic Ni and Fe-Au nanowires coated with a monomer containing a major histocompatibility complex class Il-bound peptide epitope (pMHCII). Three different types of nanowires (Ni, Fe with Au tip and Fe-Au multilayers) were made by electrodeposition. The document describes that Ni nanowires separated fewer T cells than Au tipped Fe nanowires, and it is speculated that this is due to Ni having a lower magnetic moment than Fe. It is further described that Fe-Au multilayer nanowires separated more T cells than Au-tipped Fe nanowires because there was more monomer per nanowire.

Non-Patent Document <NUM> describes multi-segmented magnetic barcode nanowires (Au/Ni/Au), which were used to study specific cellular responses. RGD linked to nanowires was used to adhere macrophages.

Non-Patent Document <NUM> discloses a superparamagnetic nanomaterial amine-functionalized and conjugated with polyethylene glycol linker and negatively charged RGD ligand. Magnetic control of attracting charged nanoligand facilitates stem cell (hMSC) adhesion, both in vitro and in vivo.

Non-Patent Document <NUM> discloses bisphosphonate (BP)-coated gold nanoparticle linked to releasable RGD (Mg2+ coordinated/chelate/EDTA) to attach/detach selectively cells like macrophages.

Korean Patent Application Laid-Open No. <NUM>-<NUM>.

To solve the aforementioned problems, the present invention provides a nanobarcode coated with a ligand as indicated in claim <NUM>, and a method of controlling regenerative cells by tuning periodicity and sequences of the ligand coated on the nanobarcode as indicated in claim <NUM>.

In particular, the method of controlling regenerative cells according to the present invention relates to a method of controlling adhesion and polarization of macrophages and controlling adhesion and differentiation of stem cells.

A nanobarcode for controlling regenerative cells according to the invention includes: a nanobarcode in which a first segment including iron (Fe) and a second segment including gold (Au) are repeatedly formed; and an integrin ligand peptide bound to the second segment of the nanobarcode, in which the regenerative cell is a stem cell or a macrophage, and the nanobarcode controls adhesion and differentiation of the stem cell or controlling adhesion and polarization of the macrophage.

Another embodiment of the present invention provides a method of preparing the nanobarcode for controlling regenerative cells, the method including: preparing a nanobarcode in which a first segment including iron (Fe) and a second segment including gold (Au) are repeatedly formed; substituting a carboxylate substituent on the first segment by mixing the nanobarcode and a first suspension; and mixing the nanobarcode and a second suspension including an integrin ligand peptide (RGD).

Another embodiment of the present invention provides a method of controlling regenerative cells, the method including: manufacturing a nanobarcode-presenting substrate by putting a substrate of which a surface is activated in a solution containing the nanobarcode for controlling regenerative cells; and controlling regenerative cells after treating the nanobarcode-presenting substrate with a culture medium, in which the regenerative cell is a stem cell or a macrophage, and in the case where the regenerative cell is a stem cell, the controlling of the regenerative cells includes adhesion and differentiation of the stem cells, and in the case where the regenerative cell is the macrophage, the controlling of the regenerative cells includes adhesion and polarization of the macrophages.

The nanobarcode for controlling regenerative cells according to the present invention may easily control cell adhesion and phenotypic polarization of macrophages and cell adhesion and differentiation of stem cells by controlling periodicity and sequences of a ligand peptide coated on the nanobarcode.

Further, the method of controlling regenerative cells according to the present invention may perform a reverse control by applying a magnetic field to a substrate including the nanobarcode, and efficiently control cell adhesion and phenotypic polarization of macrophages in vitro or in vivo and cell adhesion and differentiation of stem cells in vitro and in vivo.

Hereinafter, to describe the present invention more specifically, an exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

The present invention provides a nanobarcode for controlling regenerative cells including: a nanobarcode in which a first segment containing iron (Fe) and a second segment containing gold (Au) are repeatedly formed; and integrin ligand peptide bound to the second segment of the nanobarcode. The integrin ligand peptide in the inventive nanobarcode is an RGD peptide.

In the nanobarcode for controlling regenerative cells according to the present invention, "controlling regenerative cells" means controlling any one or more of cell adhesion, polarization, and differentiation of regenerative cells.

In the inventive nanobarcodes, the regenerative cells are stem cells or macrophages, and the nanobarcode for controlling regenerative cells may control adhesion and polarization of stem cells or control adhesion and differentiation of macrophages.

<FIG> is a schematic diagram illustrating a nanobarcode substrate for controlling regenerative cells and a method of controlling adhesion and polarization of a macrophage by using the nanobarcode substrate according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, and <FIG> is a schematic diagram illustrating a nanobarcode for controlling regenerative cells, a substrate coupled with the nanobarcode, and a method of controlling adhesion and differentiation of stem cells by using the same according to the present invention.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, it can be seen that the nanobarcode of the present invention includes: a nanobarcode in which a first segment containing iron (Fe) and a second segment containing gold (Au) are repeatedly formed; and an integrin ligand peptide bound to the second segment of the nanobarcode, in which the integrin ligand peptide is an integrin peptide.

In the inventive nanobarcodes, the nanobarcode is provided in a rod shape satisfying Equation <NUM> or Equation <NUM>.

[Equation <NUM>]     [L(M<NUM>M<NUM>M<NUM>M<NUM>)q].

Herein, M<NUM> is the first segment, M<NUM> is the second segment, q is the number of times of the repetition of the first and second segments, and L is the lengths of the first and second segments.

L is an integer between <NUM> and <NUM>, preferably <NUM> and <NUM>, more preferably <NUM> and <NUM>, or <NUM> and <NUM>, M<NUM> and M<NUM> may represent independent numbers, and q is an integer between <NUM> and <NUM>, preferably <NUM> and <NUM>, or <NUM> and <NUM>.

For example, in the nanobarcode, Equations <NUM> and <NUM> may be represented by any one of [<NUM>(M<NUM>M<NUM>)<NUM>], [<NUM>(M<NUM>M<NUM>)<NUM>], [<NUM>(M<NUM>M<NUM>M<NUM>M<NUM>)<NUM>], [<NUM>(M<NUM>M<NUM>)<NUM>], [<NUM>(M<NUM>M<NUM>M<NUM>M<NUM>)<NUM>], and [<NUM>(M<NUM>M<NUM>)<NUM>]. In this case, M<NUM> means the first segment and M<NUM> means the second segment. In particular, the nanobarcode may be provided in a rod shape satisfying any one of [<NUM>(<NUM>)<NUM>], [<NUM>(<NUM>)<NUM>], [<NUM>(<NUM>)<NUM>], [<NUM>(<NUM>)<NUM>], [<NUM>(<NUM>)<NUM>], and [<NUM>(<NUM>)<NUM>].

The nanobarcode satisfying Equation <NUM> may tune the periodicity of the ligand peptide bound to the second segment by controlling the lengths L of the first and second segments. The nanobarcode satisfying Equation <NUM> may tune any one or more of the periodicity and a sequence of the ligand peptide bound to the second segment compared to the nanobarcode satisfying Equation <NUM>.

The first segment may have a structure in which a carboxylate is substituted. The carboxylate substituent may be an amino acid derivative, particularly aminocaproic acid. The first segment has the structure in which a carboxylate is substituted, thereby improving coupling force with the substrate and exhibiting excellent durability.

The integrin ligand peptide bound to the second segment is an RGD peptide, which may be thiolated, and may have a structure in which a thiol group is chemically bound to the second segment. It is possible to efficiently control adhesion and differentiation of the macrophage by tuning the periodicity and sequences of the ligand peptide by binding the integrin ligand peptide to the second segment.

Further, a of <FIG> and a of <FIG> are high-angle annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy images and field emission scanning electron microscopy images of the nanobarcode for controlling adhesion and polarization of the microphages according to the present invention, and it can show a size of the nanobarcode. In particular, the nanobarcode has a rod shape with a circular cross section and may have a diameter of <NUM> to <NUM>. More particularly, the nanobarcode may have a diameter of <NUM> to <NUM>, or <NUM> to <NUM>. Further, the nanobarcode may have a rod shape having a length of <NUM> to <NUM>,<NUM>. When the length of the nanobarcode is less than <NUM>, binding efficiency of the integrin ligand may deteriorate, and when the length of the nanobarcode is larger than <NUM>, the degree of distribution may deteriorate when nanobarcode is bound onto the substrate. More particularly, the nanobarcode may have a diameter of <NUM> to <NUM>, or <NUM> to <NUM>. The present invention includes the nanobarcode, thereby controlling the cell adhesion and polarization of the macrophage or controlling cell adhesion and differentiation of stem cells according to the structure of the nanobarcode.

Further, the present invention provides a method of preparing the nanobarcode for controlling regenerative cells, the method including: preparing a nanobarcode in which a first segment containing iron (Fe) and a segment containing gold (Au) are repeatedly formed; substituting a carboxylate substituent on the first segment by mixing the nanobarcode and a first suspension; and mixing the nanobarcode and a second suspension including the integrin ligand peptide (RGD).

The operation of preparing the nanobarcode may include an electroplating process and a process of etching an anodized nanotemplate in which iron and gold are alternately filled into pores of the nanotemplate by using a first current and a second current lower than the first current, respectively, by using the anodized nanotemplate to form an iron-gold multilayered nanowires.

As the nanotemplate, an anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) nanotemplate, an inorganic nanotemplate, or a polymer nanotemplate is used. Herein, the case which utilizes the AAO nanotemplate is illustrated. A diameter of the nanowire is determined according to a diameter of a pore of the AAO nanotemplate, and a length of the nanowire is determined according to a growth rate and duration time of each segment.

The used AAO nanotemplate includes the plurality of pores of which a diameter has <NUM>.

A silver (Ag) electrode layer having a thickness of <NUM> is formed on the bottom surface of the AAO nanotemplate by an electron beam evaporation method before electroplating. The electrode layer serves as a cathode during electroplating. Herein, as the electrode layer, other metals or other conductive material layers may be used.

Fe/Au barcode nanowires are synthesized inside the AAO nanotemplate pores by a pulse plating method in which a voltage or a current is alternately applied so that an Fe layer is synthesized at a high voltage or current and an Au layer is synthesized at a low voltage or current.

A precursor solution for electroplating is prepared in which iron (II) sulfate heptahydrate (FeSO<NUM> <NUM><NUM>O <NUM>/mol) and potassium dicyanoaurate(I) (KAu(CN)<NUM> <NUM>/mol) are adjusted to have a certain ratio of mole concentration, in one plating bath. To maintain stable and mild environment during electroplating, boric acid (H<NUM>BO<NUM>) is added as a buffer solution.

Herein, since it is necessary to put two kinds of precursors into one plating bath and synthesize a nanowire containing two different elements, two kinds of precursors should not react and form a product when the precursors are selected.

Further, each element needs to be separated in the multilayer structure through modulating a ratio of the ionic content of the element with higher reduction potential to the content of the element with lower reduction potential. The ratio of the molar concentration of iron to gold ions in the used solution ranges <NUM>:<NUM> to <NUM>:<NUM> (preferably, <NUM>:<NUM>), and the nanowire in which two kinds of elements form each layer respectively may be synthesized by adding a relatively low concentration of gold that is a noble metal.

The electrolyte is prepared by using deionized water, and the hydrogen ionization concentration (pH value) is kept constant by using boric acid (H<NUM>BO<NUM>) to maintain the stable and mild environment during electroplating.

The Fe/Au multilayer structure barcode-type nanowire is formed by performing pulse electroplating on the nanotemplate. The current of <NUM> mA/cm<NUM> was applied for electroplating the iron irons and the current of <NUM> mA/cm<NUM> was applied for electroplating the gold irons.

The iron and the gold have different standard reduction potentials, and by using the difference in the reduction potential, iron may be plated at a relatively high current, and gold may be plated at a relatively low current as described above. Therefore, it is possible to manufacture an Fe/Au multilayer thin film nanowire.

Next, to obtain an individual multilayer thin film nanowire, when the anodized nanotemplate is treated with a <NUM> sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution at a room temperature for one hour, both the nanotemplate and the electrode layer are melted and the barcode-type iron/gold (Fe/Au) multilayer thin film nanowire may be separated.

The diameter of the nanowire may be controlled by using the anodized aluminum nanotemplate having different pore sizes, and a thickness of each layer of the iron and the gold of the nanowire may be controlled by changing the electroplating time.

Further, the operation of substituting the carboxylate substituent on the first segment may be performed by mixing the nanobarcode and the first suspension and reacting the nanobarcode and the first suspension for <NUM> to <NUM> hours to <NUM> to <NUM> hours. The first suspension may contain an amino acid derivative containing a carboxylate substituent, and specifically, the amino acid derivative may be aminocaproic acid. The carboxylate substituent is substituted in the oxide layer of the iron segment by reacting the nanobarcode with the first suspension as described above, so that the coupling to the substrate may be facilitated.

Further, the operation of mixing the nanobarcode and the second suspension may be performed by stirring the nanobarcode in the second suspension including the integrin ligand peptide (i.e. RGD) for <NUM> to <NUM> hours or <NUM> to <NUM> hours. In this case, the thiolated RGD peptide ligand may be bound to the second segment of the nanobarcode. The solvent may contain any one or more of dimethylformaldehyde (DMF) and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). The integrin ligand peptide is bound to the second segment to tune periodicity and sequence of the ligand of the nanobarcode. Accordingly, it is possible to easily control the adhesion and phenotypic polarization of the macrophage or controlling cell adhesion and differentiation of the stem cells by using the nanobarcode.

Further, the present invention provides a method of controlling regenerative cells, the method including: manufacturing a nanobarcode-presenting substrate by putting a substrate of which a surface is activated in a solution containing the nanobarcode for controlling adhesion and polarization of the macrophage; and controlling regenerative cells after treating the nanobarcode-presenting substrate with a culture medium, in which in the controlling of the regenerative cells, the regenerative cells are stem cells or macrophages, and when the regenerative cells are stem cells, the controlling of the regenerative cells includes controlling adhesion and differentiation of the stem cells, and when the regenerative cells are macrophages, the controlling of the regenerative cells includes controlling adhesion and polarization of the macrophages.

b of <FIG> is a diagram schematically illustrating the controlling of adhesion and polarization of macrophages in the method of controlling regenerative cells according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Referring to b of <FIG>, it can be seen that the adhesion of the macrophage is promoted by tuning periodicity and sequences of the integrin ligand peptide bound to the second segment of the nanobarcode, and the substrate is activated by adjusting inflammatory M1 phenotype and regenerative M2 phenotype. b of <FIG> is a diagram schematically illustrating the controlling of adhesion and differentiation of stem cells in the method of controlling regenerative cells according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Referring to b of <FIG>, it can be seen that the adhesion and mechanosensing of the stem cell are promoted by tuning periodicity and sequences of the integrin ligand peptide bound to the second segment of the nanobarcode to control differentiation.

In particular, the operation of manufacturing the nanobarcode-presenting substrate may include: soaking the surface of the substrate in an acidic solution; and activating the surface of the substrate by putting the soaking-completed substrate in an aminosilane solution.

In the operation of soaking the surface of the substrate in the acidic solution, the surface of the substrate may be soaked in the acidic solution including any one or more of hydrochloric acid and sulfuric acid for <NUM> minutes to <NUM> hours or <NUM> minutes to <NUM> hour. Accordingly, by binding a hydroxyl group to the surface of the substrate, the activation of the surface of the substrate may be effectively performed so that it is easy to bond with an amino group of the aminosilane solution.

In the operation of activating the surface of the substrate, the surface of the substrate may be activated by putting the substrate in the amino-silane solution. The amino-silane solution may include (<NUM>-aminopropyl)triephoxysilane (APTES). In this case, the activation of the surface of the substrate means that the surface of the substrate is positively charged, and particularly, the surface of the substrate may be activated by binding an amine group onto the substrate. The surface of the substrate is positively charged by activating the surface of the substrate by putting the substrate in the amino-silane solution, so that the substrate may be chemically bound to the iron segment of the nanobarcode.

For example, the nanobarcode-presenting substrate may be the substrate obtained by inactivating the surface of the substrate which is not coupled with the nanobarcode by putting the substrate in a solution containing a polyethylene glycol derivative.

In the operation of controlling cell adhesion and polarization of the macrophages, it is possible to control cell adhesion and polarization of macrophages in vivo or in vitro by changing any one or more of periodicity and sequences of the ligand bound to the nanobarcode of the nanobarcode-presenting substrate.

In particular, in the operation of controlling adhesion and polarization of the macrophage, in the case where the substrate including the rod-type nanobarcode satisfying Equation <NUM> below is used, the inflammatory (M1) phenotype may predominate.

Herein, M<NUM> is a first segment, M<NUM> is a second segment, q is the number of times of the repetition of the first and second segments, q is an integer between <NUM> and <NUM>, and L is lengths of first and second segments.

Further, in the operation of controlling adhesion and polarization of the macrophage, in the case where the substrate including the rod-type nanobarcode satisfying Equation <NUM> below is used, the regenerative and inflammatory (M2) phenotype may predominate.

Herein, M<NUM> is the first segment, M<NUM> is the second segment, q is the number of times of the repetition of the first and second segments, q is an integer between <NUM> and <NUM>, and L is lengths of the first and second segments.

More particularly, in Equation <NUM>, L may be an integer between <NUM> and <NUM> or <NUM> and <NUM>. Further, in Equation <NUM>, L may be an integer between <NUM> and <NUM> or <NUM> and <NUM>, and q may be an integer of between <NUM> and <NUM>.

It is possible to effectively control adhesion and phenotype of the macrophage by tuning periodicity and sequences of the integrin ligand peptide on the nanobarcode by binding the integrin ligand peptide to the second segment of the nanobarcode having the foregoing structural formula.

In the operation of controlling adhesion and differentiation of the stem cells, it is possible to control adhesion and differentiation of the stem cells in vivo or in vitro by changing any one or more of periodicity and sequences of the ligand bound to the nanobarcode of the nanobarcode-presenting substrate.

In particular, in the operation of controlling adhesion and differentiation of the stem cell, in the case where the substrate including the rod-type nanobarcode satisfying Equation <NUM> below is used, adhesion and mechanosensing differentiation of the stem cell may degrade.

Further, in the operation of controlling adhesion and differentiation of the stem cell, in the case where the substrate including the rod-type nanobarcode satisfying Equation <NUM> below is used, adhesion and mechanosensing detection differentiation of the stem cell may be promoted.

For example, in the nanobarcode, Equations <NUM> and <NUM> may be represented by any one of [<NUM>(M<NUM>M<NUM>)<NUM>], [<NUM>(M<NUM>M<NUM>)<NUM>], [<NUM>(M<NUM>M<NUM>M<NUM>M<NUM>)<NUM>], [<NUM>(M<NUM>M<NUM>)<NUM>], [<NUM>(M<NUM>M<NUM>M<NUM>M<NUM>)<NUM>], and [<NUM>(M<NUM>M<NUM>)<NUM>]. In this case, M<NUM> means the first segment and M<NUM> means the second segment. In particular, the nanobarcode may be provided in a rod form satisfying any one of [<NUM>(<NUM>)<NUM>], [<NUM>(<NUM>)<NUM>], [<NUM>(<NUM>)<NUM>], [<NUM>(<NUM>)<NUM>], [<NUM>(<NUM>)<NUM>], and [<NUM>(<NUM>)<NUM>].

It is possible to effectively control adhesion and differentiation of the stem cell by tuning periodicity and sequences of the integrin ligand peptide on the nanobarcode by binding the integrin ligand peptide to the second segment of the nanobarcode having the foregoing structural formula.

Hereinafter, examples of the present invention will be described. However, the examples below are merely preferable examples of the present invention.

An Fe/Au nanobarcode was prepared to represent various ligand nano-periodicity and ligand sequences on a substrate. As a mold of a pulse electrodeposition process, a porous polycarbonate membrane (PCM) with a pore diameter of <NUM> was used. Silver (Ag) was deposited in the pores of the porous PCM by using an electron beam evaporator. To fill the pores of the PCM with the nanobarcode, a precursor solution was prepared with <NUM> iron sulfate hepta-hydrate (FeSO<NUM><NUM><NUM>O), <NUM> potassium dicyanoaurate (KAu(CN)<NUM>), and <NUM> boric acid (H<NUM>BO<NUM>). After the pores of the porous PCM are filled with the precursor solution, a pulse current was applied to induce an electrochemical reaction while using a platinum (Pt) plate as a counter electrode.

Due to the significantly different reduction potentials of Fe and Au, Fe and Au were separately deposited in a predetermined order in response to applied pulse currents which are composed of distinctly different current densities. Lengths of the Fe and Au segments were controlled by modulating a pulse duration time.

Six periodically sequenced Fe/Au nanobarcodes with tunable nano-periodicity and the sequence which does not modulate the sizes of the total Fe and Au segments were precisely prepared by optimizing pulse current density and duration time. Four periodically sequenced Fe/Au nanobarcodes were prepared so as to represent tunable Fe and Au nano-periodicity having the same nano-sequence.

Nanobarcode [<NUM>(<NUM>)<NUM>] (Preparation Example <NUM>) formed of <NUM>-long Fe and Au segments with <NUM> repeated sequences was prepared by alternately applying <NUM> mA/cm<NUM> for <NUM> second and <NUM> mA/cm<NUM> for <NUM> seconds, respectively. The naming regulation of the structure of the nanobarcode is as follows. The Au and Fe segments were designated as <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively. In the nanobarcode [<NUM>(<NUM>)<NUM>], the length (nm) of each segment was designated as <NUM>, but the repeated sequence of each segment was designated as <NUM>. Nanobarcode [<NUM>(<NUM>)<NUM>] (Preparation Example <NUM>) formed of <NUM>-long Fe and Au segments with four repeated sequences was prepared by alternately applying <NUM> mA/cm<NUM> for <NUM> seconds and <NUM> mA/cm<NUM> for <NUM> seconds, respectively. Nanobarcode [<NUM>(<NUM>)<NUM>] (Preparation Example <NUM>) formed of <NUM>-long Fe and Au segment with two repeated sequences was prepared by alternately applying <NUM> mA/cm<NUM> for <NUM> seconds and <NUM> mA/cm<NUM> for <NUM> seconds, respectively. <NUM>-long Fe/Au segment [<NUM>(<NUM>)<NUM>] (Preparation Example <NUM>) was prepared by alternately applying <NUM> mA/cm<NUM> for <NUM> seconds and <NUM> mA/cm<NUM> for <NUM> seconds, respectively.

To tune nano-periodicity and sequences, two periodically sequenced Fe/Au nanobarcodes were prepared. Nanobarcode [<NUM>(<NUM>)<NUM>] (Preparation Example <NUM>) formed of a <NUM>-nm-long Fe segment, a <NUM>-long Au segment, and a <NUM>-long Fe segment with two repeated sequences were prepared by alternately applying <NUM> mA/cm<NUM> for <NUM> seconds, <NUM> mA/cm<NUM> for <NUM> seconds, and <NUM> mA/cm<NUM> for <NUM> seconds, respectively. Nanobarcode [<NUM>(<NUM>)<NUM>] (Preparation Example <NUM>) formed of a <NUM>-long Fe segment, a <NUM>-long Au segment, and a <NUM>-long Fe segment was prepared by alternately applying <NUM> mA/cm<NUM> for <NUM> seconds, <NUM> mA/cm<NUM> for <NUM> seconds, and <NUM> mA/cm<NUM> for <NUM> seconds. Six periodically sequenced Fe/Au nanobarcodes and sequences with tunable nano-periodicity were obtained by physically separating an Ag layer from the porous PCM and chemically removing the porous PCM for <NUM> hours and <NUM> hours with dichloromethane and chloroform, respectively. Subsequently, the nanobarcode was washed three times with acetone and ethanol, and was dispersed in <NUM> of deionized water (DI) before functionalization for substrate coupling.

A nanobarcode was prepared by the same method as that of Preparation Example <NUM> except that a negatively charged thiolated RGD peptide (CDDRGD, GL Biochem) was not added.

The six periodically sequenced nanobarcodes prepared in Preparation Examples <NUM> to <NUM> were chemically functionalized and grafted to a substrate to express various nano-periodicity of ligand sequences. Since it is well known that the amine group may be coupled to a natural oxide layer, the amine group of aminocaproic acid was used to be coupled to the natural oxide layer of the iron (Fe) segment in the nanobarcode to represent the carboxylate group after surface functionalization. A mixed solution of <NUM> of nanobarcode and <NUM> of <NUM> aminocapronic acid solution was stirred at a room temperature for <NUM> hours, and then centrifuged and washed with deionized water. A <NUM> × <NUM> flat cell culture grade glass substrate was aminated to allow the carboxylate groups on the surfaces of the six different nanobarcodes to bind to the amine groups on the substrate. The substrate was first washed with a mixture in which hydrochloric acid and methanol were mixed at a ratio of <NUM>:<NUM> and rinsed with deionized water. The substrate was soaked in sulfuric acid for <NUM> hour to activate the hydroxyl group and rinsed with deionized water. The substrate was aminated for <NUM> hour in <NUM>-aminopropyl triethoxy silane (APTES) and ethanol (<NUM>:<NUM>) in a darkroom and washed with ethanol, followed by drying for <NUM> hour at <NUM>. The aminocaproic acid-bound six periodically sequenced nanobarcodes in <NUM> of deionized water were activated through the EDC/NHS reaction for <NUM> hours in <NUM> of <NUM> N-ethyl-N'-(<NUM>-(dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide) (EDC) and <NUM> of <NUM> N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS), and then washed with deionized water.

The six periodically sequenced nanobarcodes were coupled to the aminated substrate to present the tunable ligand nano-periodicity and sequences by precisely optimizing nanobarcode concentration (<NUM> to <NUM>) and reaction time (<NUM> to <NUM>) in the six periodically sequenced nanobarcodes with maintaining constant the substrate-coupled nanobarcode and the ligand density. The thiolated RGD peptide ligand was grafted to the Au segment on the nanobarcode-coupled substrate. The nanobarcode-coupled substrate was cultured for <NUM> hours by using <NUM> thiolated RGD peptide ligand (GCGYCFCDSPG, GLBiochem) in dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) with <NUM>% N,N-diisopropylethylamine (DIPEA) and <NUM> tris(<NUM>-carboxyethyl)phosphine hydrochloride (TCEP), and then washed with deionized water. Non-RGD ligand-specific stem cell adhesion was minimized by blocking the non-nanobarcode-coated areas on the substrate with <NUM>-methoxy-poly(ethylene glycol)-succinimidyl carboxymethyl ester with <NUM>% N,N-diisoprophylethylamine (DIPEA) in deionized water for <NUM> hours in the dark condition and then washed with deionized water.

A nanobarcode-presenting substrate was manufactured with the same method except that the nanobarcode prepared in Comparative Example <NUM> was used.

To check the form and the chemical characteristic of the nanobarcode according to the present invention, high-angle annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF-STEM) analysis, energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) analysis were performed on the prepared nanobarcode, and the result thereof is represented in <FIG> and <FIG>.

In particular, to characterize the sizes and the shapes of the six periodically sequenced Fe/Au nanobarcodes with tunable nano-periodicity and sequences, the HAADF-STEM imaging was performed according to the previously demonstrated procedure. The HAADF-STEM imaging was conducted at <NUM> kV by using a probe Cs-corrected JEM ARM200CF (JEOL Ltd. ) under spherical aberration (C3) of <NUM> to <NUM> resulting in a phase of <NUM> to <NUM> mrad. The convergence semi-angle for imaging was <NUM> mrad whereas the collection semi-angle for HAADF was <NUM> - <NUM> mrad. Micrographs were acquired at electron probe sizes of 8C & 9C (JEOL defined), which were measured to be <NUM> and <NUM>Å, respectively, and a pixel dwell time of <NUM> - <NUM> with <NUM> × <NUM> pixel area. When an emission current of <NUM> - <NUM>µA is used, a probe current range of <NUM> - <NUM> Pa is calculated. A <NUM> aperture was used, which yielded a beam convergence semi-angle of α = <NUM> mrad. The electron dose introduced per image varied in around <NUM>,<NUM> - <NUM>,<NUM> e/Å2 depending on the magnification. In the obtained image, darker and brighter shapes represent Fe and Au segments, respectively. The nanoscale dimensions (length, diameter, and surface area) of each or total Fe and Au segments with sharp interfaces in the nanobarcode were calculated by using HADDF-STEM imaging. Through the calculation, it was confirmed that the six periodically sequenced Fe/Au nanobarcodes with tunable nano-periodicity and sequences have the similar dimensions of the total Fe and Au segments. The Fe and Au segments with sharp interfaces in the six periodically sequenced Fe/Au nanobarcodes were specifically identified through EDS mapping using two SOD detectors (Thermo Fisher Scientific). The Fe and Au element mapping was individually used for identifying the Fe and Au segment in the six periodically sequenced Fe/Au nanobarcodes with tunable nano-periodicity and sequences obtained by strictly individually modulating a pulse, a current segment, and a duration time.

The co-existence of Fe and Au segments repeated in the six periodically sequenced nanobarcodes was confirmed by carrying out the X-ray diffraction analysis (D/MAX-2500V/PC, Rigaku). The peaks were assigned with crystalline indices of the Fe and Au phases present in the six periodically sequenced nanobarcodes by using Powder Diffraction File (PDF) data of the Fe phase (PDF #<NUM>) and the Au phase (PDF #<NUM>).

The magnetic properties of the Fe segments in the six periodically sequenced nanobarcodes were analyzed through vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM) measurement under an applied magnetic field (H) at a room temperature. The corresponding magnetic moment (M) is indicated with hysteresis loops after normalization to the maximum value of the magnetic moment in each nanobarcode.

<FIG> is a high-angle annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF-STEM) image, and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) image of a nanobarcode according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Referring to <FIG>, the Fe and Au segments alternating in the HAADF-STEM image were identified with dark and bright contrast areas, and it was confirmed that the Fe and Au segments have the sharp interfaces without alloy formation through the EDS mapping image for each Fe and Au element.

Referring to b of <FIG>, the nano sizes (length, diameter, and surface area) of each or total Fe and Au segments were accurately quantified in the nanobarcode. In particular, the length of each Fe/Au segment in the nanobarcode was represented with <NUM> ± <NUM>/<NUM> ± <NUM> in [<NUM>(<NUM>)<NUM>] group, <NUM> ± <NUM>/<NUM> ± <NUM> in [<NUM>(<NUM>)<NUM>] group, <NUM> ± <NUM>/<NUM> ± <NUM> in [<NUM>(<NUM>)<NUM>] group, <NUM> ± <NUM>/<NUM> ± <NUM> in [<NUM>(<NUM>)<NUM>] group, <NUM> ± <NUM>/<NUM> ± <NUM> in [<NUM>(<NUM>)<NUM>] group, and <NUM> ± <NUM>/<NUM> ± <NUM> in [<NUM>(<NUM>)<NUM>] group. Through this, it was seen that the nano-periodicity and sequences were systematically tuned in the six different nanobarcodes by precisely regulating pulse current density and duration while the nano-periodicity and sequences were synthesized.

<FIG> is a schematic diagram (a) of the nanobarcode prepared in the present invention, and graphs illustrating a total length (b), a diameter (c), and a surface area (d) of each of Fe and Au nanobarcodes calculated from the result of the HAADF-STEM. Referring to <FIG>, in contrast, total lengths of Fe vs. Au segment in each nanobarcode ranged from <NUM> to <NUM> vs. from <NUM> to <NUM>, respectively, in the six different nanobarcodes without significant differences. The diameters of each Fe/Au nanobarcode ranged from <NUM> to <NUM> in the six different nanobarcodes without significant differences. The total surface area of the Fe vs. Au segment in each nanobarcode ranged from <NUM> to <NUM><NUM> vs. from <NUM> to <NUM><NUM>, respectively, in the six different nanobarcodes without significant differences. These results collectively indicate that the six periodically sequenced Fe/Au nanobarcodes were precisely prepared to display the tunable ligand nano-periodicity and sequences without modulating the dimensions of total Fe and Au segments. In this case, Au and Fe segments were referred to as <NUM> and <NUM> in parentheses, respectively, and the length (nm) of each Au and Fe segment was referred to as <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>.

<FIG> is an X-ray diffraction analysis graph of a nanobarcode according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Referring to <FIG>, the crystalline phases of the Fe and Au segments in nanobarcodes were analyzed via X-ray diffraction, which revealed that diffraction peaks corresponding to the Fe and Au phases were similarly co-present in the six different nanobarcodes. Through this, it can be seen that the six periodically sequenced Fe/Au nanobarcodes exhibit the similar property.

<FIG> is a graph illustrating a measurement result of the VSM of the nanobarcode according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In particular, the magnetic properties of nanobarcodes due to the presence of the Fe segments were analyzed, revealing that all of six different nanobarcodes exhibit similar magnetic behaviors without obvious hysteresis. This magnetic property may be utilized for the reversible remote control of the nanobarcodes of the present invention by using an external magnetic field.

To check the property of the substrate including the nanobarcode according to the present invention, the substrate including the nanobarcode was photographed with the FE-SEM and the FT-IR was carried, and the results thereof are represented in <FIG> and <FIG>.

The FT-IR was conducted by using GX1 (Perkin Elmer Spectrum, USA) to confirm the chemical bond characteristics of the nanobarcode. The samples subjected to the analysis of changes in chemical bond characteristics were lyophilized and densely packed into KBr pellet prior to the analysis.

<FIG> is an image schematically illustrating operations for manufacturing a substrate including the nanobarcode according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Referring to <FIG>, the six periodically sequenced nanobarcodes was chemically functionalized before being grafted to the substrate. The amine group of aminocaproic acid was coupled to a natural oxide layer of the Fe segment of the nanobarcode to display a carboxylate group. Various ligand nano-periodicities and sequences were confirmed without modulating the nanobarcode coupled to the substrate and the ligand density by precisely optimizing a concentration and reaction time of the nanobarcode by activating the carboxylate group in the aminocaproic acid-coated nanobarcode and grafting the nanobarcode onto the aminated substrate. Subsequently, thiolated RGD ligands were grafted to Au segments in the nanobarcode-coupled substrate. The density of the substrate-coupled ligand-presenting nanobarcode, as well as the dimensions of the total Fe and Au segments, are similarly maintained, to separate the effect of ligand density for the substrate.

Referring to <FIG>, the substrate-coupled ligand-presenting nanobarcodes were visualized by using field emission scanning electron microscopy, which revealed their uniform distribution in a monolayer. Their densities ranged from <NUM> to <NUM> per µm<NUM>, thereby confirming the successful maintenance of a similar density in all of the substrate-coupled ligand-presenting nanobarcodes without significant differences. Through the following experiment, it was confirmed that the density may efficiently control the adhesion and phenotypic polarization of macrophages.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating a result of a Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) analysis of the nanobarcode according to the present invention. Referring to <FIG>, it can be seen the chemical bond characteristics of the aminocaproic acid-coated nanobarcodes. In particular, COO bonds were revealed at <NUM> to <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM> to <NUM>-<NUM> and N-H bonds were revealed at <NUM> to <NUM>-<NUM>. Through this, it is confirmed that the aminocaproic acid was successfully coupled to the six different nanobarcodes.

To check an influence of the nano-periodicity and ligand sequences of the nanobarcode according to the present invention to the adhesion of the macrophages, the following experiment was conducted, the result of which is represented in <FIG>.

The effect of tuning the ligand nano-periodicity in the ligand sequences for adhesion and phenotypic polarization of macrophages was evaluated. The substrate was subjected to sterilization under ultraviolet light for <NUM> hour prior to culture. Macrophages from passage <NUM> of RAW <NUM> (ATCC) at an approximate density of <NUM> kcells/cm<NUM> were seeded onto the sterilized substrate. Macrophages were then cultured at <NUM> under <NUM>% CO<NUM> in basal medium containing high glucose DMEM, <NUM>% heat-inactivated fetal bovine serum, and <NUM> U/Ml penicillin/streptomycin. The adhesion of macrophages was evaluated under the tuning of nano-periodicity alone in the nanobarcode of ligand sequences: [<NUM>(<NUM>)<NUM>], [<NUM>(<NUM>)<NUM>], [<NUM>(<NUM>)<NUM>], and [<NUM>(<NUM>)<NUM>] according to the present invention. The adhesion of macrophages was also evaluated under the tuning of both nano-periodicity and ligand sequences in the nanobarcode of the ligand sequences [<NUM>(<NUM>)<NUM>], [<NUM>(<NUM>)<NUM>], [<NUM>(<NUM>)<NUM>], and [<NUM>(<NUM>)<NUM>]. The effect of nano-periodicity on the control of macrophage adhesion was evaluated by using the substrates with tunable nano-periodicity in Fe/Au sequences but without coupling RGD ligand as a comparative example.

M1 medium used for evaluation of the phenotypic polarization of macrophages was prepared by using a basal medium with <NUM> ng/mL each of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and recombinant interferon-gamma (IFN-γ). M2 medium was prepared by using a basal medium with <NUM> ng/mL each of interleukin-<NUM> (IL4) and interleukin-<NUM> (IL-<NUM>). The adhesion-assisted M2 phenotypic polarization of the macrophages was evaluated with inhibitors of ROCK (<NUM> Y27632), myosin II (<NUM> blebbistatin), or actin polymerization (<NUM>µg/mL of cytochalasin D).

<FIG> is an immunofluorescent confocal image of macrophages (after <NUM> hours) cultured by using the nanobarcode according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention against F-actin, nucleus, and vinculin, and in this case, a scale bar represents <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, immunofluorescent confocal images revealed that macrophages adhered more strongly with increasing (from <NUM> to <NUM>) nano-periodicity presentation in ligand sequences. In particular, the macrophage adhesion density was found to increase by <NUM>%, <NUM>%, and <NUM>% for [<NUM>(<NUM>)<NUM>], [<NUM>(<NUM>)<NUM>], and [<NUM>(<NUM>)<NUM>] groups, respectively, as compared to [<NUM>(<NUM>)<NUM>] group. Further, adherent macrophages showed more pervasive assembly of F-actin and vinculin across the cytoplasm and showed a significantly more elongated form according to an increase in ligand nano-periodicity. Through this, it can be seen that this is attributable to closer ligand presentation with increasing ligand nano-periodicity of the nanobarcode according to the present invention.

<FIG> is a result of an adhesion experiment of macrophages by tuning nano-periodicity in a nanobarcode (in the case where there is no RGD ligand binding) according to a Comparative Example of the present invention. In this case, the scale bar represents <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, it was confirmed that when the nano-periodicity in the Fe/Au sequences in the state where the RGD ligand is not coupled to the Au segments is turned, minimal levels of macrophage adhesion for all groups was yield with no significant differences. Through this, it can be seen that it is possible to efficiently alter the adhesion of macrophages by tuning the nano-periodicity of the RGD ligand sequences. In particular, it can be seen that when nano-periodicity increases in the ligand sequences, it is possible to effectively form robust adhesion structures in macrophages.

<FIG> is an immunofluorescent confocal image of macrophages (after <NUM> hours) cultured by using the nanobarcode (in which nano-periodicity and ligand sequences are tuned) according to the present invention against F-actin, nucleus, and vinculin, and in this case, a scale bar represents <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, the four periodically sequenced Fe/Au nanobarcodes of [<NUM>(<NUM>)<NUM>], [<NUM>(<NUM>)<NUM>], [<NUM>(<NUM>)<NUM>], and [<NUM>(<NUM>)<NUM>] were designed by tuning both the nano-periodicity and the ligand sequences to examine their effects on modulating adhesion of macrophages. In these groups, immunofluorescent confocal images showed that macrophages adhered more robustly with increasing nano-periodicity presentation in the ligand sequences. In particular, [<NUM>(<NUM>)<NUM>] group showed significantly higher macrophage adhesion density, cell area, and cell elongation factor by <NUM>%, <NUM>%, and <NUM>%, respectively, than [<NUM>(<NUM>)<NUM>] group. Further, [<NUM>(<NUM>)<NUM>] group exhibited the assembly of substantially more robust adhesion structures than [<NUM>(<NUM>)<NUM>] group.

Further, even in the case where intra-nanobarcode ligand sequences alone were tuned without modulating ligand nano-periodicity, macrophage adhesion was controlled. Specifically, [<NUM>(<NUM>)<NUM>] group with ligand populated at the end sequence of nanobarcode exhibited significantly elevated macrophage adhesion density, cell area, and cell elongation factor by <NUM>%, <NUM>%, and <NUM>%, respectively, as compared to [<NUM>(<NUM>)<NUM>] group with ligand only populated in the inner sequence of nanobarcode. Through this, it can be seen that the lower inter-nanobarcode ligand spacing with ligand populated at the end sequence of the nanobarcode better facilitates cellular adhesion.

Accordingly, it is possible to control cell adhesion of macrophages by modulating the position of the sequence ligand of the nanobarcode and the spacing of the ligand.

The experiment on whether the tuning of the nano-periodicity of the ligand sequences by using the nanobarcode according to the present invention controls the phenotypic polarization medium adhesion of macrophages was conducted as described below, and the results are represented in <FIG>.

The adhesive structures of macrophages are known to modulate their phenotypic polarization in the presence of M1 or M2 polarization stimulators. In particular, macrophages that develop robust adhesion structures, including the assembly of prevalent F-actin and vinculin in elongated shapes, are prone to activate their phenotypic polarization into regenerative/anti-inflammatory M2 state.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating an experimental result of whether adhesion-dependent phenotypic polarization of macrophages is controlled by tuning nano-periodicity in the ligand sequences by using the nanobarcode according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Referring to <FIG>, immunofluorescent confocal images revealed that macrophages gradually exhibited weaker iNOS fluorescence signals in M1-inducing medium, but exhibited stronger Arg-<NUM> fluorescence signals in M2-inducing medium with increasing nano-periodicity presentation in the ligand sequences. Further, gene expression profiles corroborated the trend observed in the immunofluorescence. Macrophages showed significantly lower iNOS and TNF-α expression in M1-inducing medium, but showed higher Arg-<NUM> and Ym1 expression proportionally with increasing nano-periodicity presentation in the ligand sequences. Quantitatively, the [<NUM>(<NUM>)<NUM>] group showed decreased iNOS expression by <NUM>% and <NUM>% and decreased TNF-α expression by <NUM>% and <NUM>%, as compared to the [<NUM>(<NUM>)<NUM>] and [<NUM>(<NUM>)<NUM>] groups, respectively. Conversely, the [<NUM>(<NUM>)<NUM>] group showed increased Arg-<NUM> expression by <NUM>% and <NUM>% and increased Ym1 expression by <NUM>% and <NUM>%, as compared with the [<NUM>(<NUM>)<NUM>] and [<NUM>(<NUM>)<NUM>] groups, respectively.

<FIG> are diagrams illustrating experimental results for tuning nano-periodicity in ligand sequences when there is no stimulation medium matched with the polarization phenotype (that is, M1 expression in an M2-stimulation medium and M2 expression in an M1-stimulation medium) by using the nanobarcode of the present invention. Referring to <FIG>, it was found that the tuning of the nano-periodicity in the ligand sequences under no presence of the stimulation medium matched with the polarization phenotype (that is, M1 expression in the M2-stimulation medium and M2 expression in the M1-stimulation medium) results in minimum iNOS and Arg-<NUM> expression in immunofluorescence, and does not exhibit a meaningful difference in iNOS, TNF-α, Arg-<NUM>, and Ym1 expression.

Through this, overall, it can be seen that the high nano-periodicity in the ligand sequence promotes adhesion of the macrophages activate the M2 phenotypic polarization while inhibiting M1 phenotypic polarization.

<FIG> is an immunofluorescent confocal image (a) for iNOS, F-actin, and nucleus cultured for <NUM> hours in the M1 polarization medium, and an immunofluorescent confocal image (b) for Arg-<NUM>, F-actin, and nucleus cultured in the M2 polarization medium with and without inhibitors for ROCK (Y27632), myosin II (blevisstatin), or actin polymerization (cytocalacin D), and in this case, a scale bar represents <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, it can be seen that the high nano-periodicity in the ligand sequence promotes growth of robust adhesion structure to further facilitate the M2 phenotypic polarization while inhibiting M1 phenotypic polarization. In particular, the adhesion structure of the macrophages and the phenotypic polarization were evaluated by using a pharmacological inhibitor (Y <NUM>, blevisstatin, or cytocalacin D) that inhibits ROCK, myosin II, or actin polymerization.

Further, <FIG> are graphs illustrating a cell area, a cell elongation factor, and iNOS fluorescence intensity or Arg-<NUM> fluorescence intensity calculated based on the confocal immunofluorescence experimental result of <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, in the immunofluorescent confocal image, the [<NUM>(<NUM>)<NUM>] group that is the macrophage having the highest nano-periodicity in the ligand sequence group showed the iNOS fluorescent signal increased by <NUM>% by the inhibition of ROCK by Y27632 in the M1-inducing medium, resulting in the decrease in the cell area by <NUM>%. Further, the [<NUM>(<NUM>)<NUM>] group showed the increasing iNOS fluorescence intensity by the inhibition of myosin II and actin polymerization by blevisstatin and cytocalacin D, respectively, resulting in the significant decrease in the cell area. Accordingly, it can be seen that the high nano-periodicity in the ligand sequence stimulates the robust adhesion of the macrophages to effectively inhibit the M1 phenotypic polarization.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, in the M2-inducing medium, the [<NUM>(<NUM>)<NUM>] group showed the decrease in the cell area by <NUM>%, the cell elongation factor by <NUM>%, and Arg-<NUM> fluorescence by <NUM>% by the ROCK suppression. In particular, the [<NUM>(<NUM>)<NUM>] group significantly decreased the cell area, the cell elongation factor, and the Arg-<NUM> fluorescence signal by inhibiting the actin polymerization with myosin II, blevisstatin, and cytocalacin D, respectively. Through this, it can be seen that the high nano-periodicity in the ligand sequence stimulates robust adhesion of the macrophages to effectively inhibit the M1 phenotypic polarization of the macrophages and promote the M2 phenotypic polarization of the macrophages.

The following experiment was performed to confirm that the adhesion and phenotype of host macrophages in vivo are spatially controlled by using the nanobarcode according to the present invention, and the results thereof are represented in <FIG>.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating an experimental result of the control of the adhesion and phenotype of the host macrophages in vivo by using the nanobarcode according to the present invention. a of <FIG> is a schematic diagram of the in vivo nano-periodicity tuning in the ligand sequences, and both interleukin-<NUM> and interleukin-<NUM> (M2 inducing agent) were injected onto the subcutaneously implanted substrate in vivo. b of <FIG> is an immunofluorescent confocal image of iNOS, F-actin, and the nuclei of host macrophages adhering to the substrate after <NUM> hours, and in this case, a scale bar represents <NUM>. c of <FIG> is a quantitative analysis result of the in vivo adhering host cells in the density of the M1 phenotypic markers (iNOS and TNF-α), cell area, cell elongation factor (major/minor axis ratio) (n=<NUM>), and gene expression (n=<NUM>).

a of <FIG> is an immunofluorescent confocal image of Arg-<NUM>, F-actin, and the nuclei of host macrophages adhering to the substrate after <NUM> hours, and in this case, a scale bar represents <NUM>. b of <FIG> is a graph of a quantitative analysis result of the in vivo adhering host cells in the density of the M2 phenotypic markers (Arg-<NUM> and Ym1), cell area, cell elongation factor (major/minor axis ratio) (n=<NUM>), and gene expression (n=<NUM>).

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the host response to the implanted material is dominated by functionally activated immune cell in which the phenotypic polarized macrophages play an important role. In relation to this, when the adherent and regenerative/anti-inflammatory phenotypic polarization of the host macrophages is controlled, it is possible to facilitate immune regulatory tissue polarization while inhibiting inflammation.

Further, adherence and phenotypic polarization of the recruited host macrophages were confirmed by immunofluorescence staining against host cells for actin, iNOS, or Arg-<NUM>. The immunofluorescent confocal images revealed that the adherent host macrophages had higher density and the gradually increasing cell area and cell elongation factor as the nano-periodicity presentation in the ligand sequences increases.

For example, the [<NUM>(<NUM>)<NUM>] group showed higher density of host macrophages by <NUM>% and <NUM>% than [<NUM>(<NUM>)<NUM>] and [<NUM>(<NUM>)<NUM>] groups, respectively. Conversely, co-localization of iNOS and F-actin became gradually more predominant with significantly higher iNOS and TNF-α expression according to the decrease in the nano-periodicity presentation in the ligand sequences. In contrast, the co-localization of Arg-<NUM> and F-actin became more predominant with significantly higher Arg-<NUM> and Ym1 expression according to the increase in the nano-periodicity presentation in the ligand sequences. Quantitatively, the [<NUM>(<NUM>)<NUM>] group exhibited the increase in the Arg-<NUM> expression by <NUM>% and <NUM>% and the increase in the Ym1 expression by <NUM>% and <NUM>% as compared to [<NUM>(<NUM>)<NUM>] and [<NUM>(<NUM>)<NUM>] groups, respectively.

Through this, it can be seen that the in vivo tuning of the high nano-periodicity presentation in the ligand sequences promotes regenerative and inflammation-suppressive phenotypic polarization of the host macrophages to make the adhesion of the host macrophages easy.

<FIG> is a result of in vivo adhesion of host neutrophils to a substrate exhibiting tunable nano-periodicity in ligand sequences by using the substrate including the nanobarcode according to the present invention. a of <FIG> is an immunofluorescent confocal image of NIMP-R14, F-actin, and the nuclei of host macrophages adhering to the substrate after <NUM> hours, and in this case, a scale bar represents <NUM>. b of <FIG> is a graph of quantification results of in vivo adherent NIMP-R14-positive host neutrophils and both interleukin-<NUM> and interleukin-<NUM> were injected onto the subcutaneously implanted substrate in vivo representing the tunable nano-periodicity of the ligand sequences.

Referring to <FIG>, the long-term host response to the implanted material is dominated by the phenotypic polarized macrophages having NIMP-R14-positive host neutrophils that appear in early acute inflammation.

<FIG> is high-angle annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF-STEM) image, and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) image of a nanobarcode according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Referring to <FIG>, the Fe and Au segments alternating in the HAADF-STEM image were identified with dark and bright contrast areas, and it was confirmed that the Fe and Au segments have the sharp interfaces without alloy formation through the EDS mapping image for each Fe and Au element.

To check the property of the substrate including the nanobarcode according to the present invention, the substrate including the nanobarcode was photographed with the FE-SEM and the FT-IR was carried, and the results thereof are represented in b of <FIG> and <FIG>.

Referring to b of <FIG>, the substrate-coupled ligand-presenting nanobarcodes were visualized by using field emission scanning electron microscopy, which revealed their uniform distribution in a monolayer. Their densities ranged from <NUM> to <NUM> per µm<NUM>, thereby confirming the successful maintenance of a similar density in all of the substrate-coupled ligand-presenting nanobarcodes without significant differences. Through the following experiment, it was confirmed that the density may efficiently control the cell adhesion and differentiation of stem cells.

To check an influence of the nano-periodicity and ligand sequences of the nanobarcode according to the present invention to the adhesion of the stem cells, the following experiment was conducted, the result of which is represented in <FIG>.

The effect of tuning the ligand nano-periodicity and sequences for focal adhesion, mechanosensing, and differentiation of stem cells was evaluated by using the nanobarcode-presenting substrate. The substrate was subjected to sterilization under ultraviolet light for <NUM> hour prior to the use of the substrate. Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs), passage <NUM> from Lonza) were plated onto the sterilized substrates at a plating density of approximately <NUM>,<NUM> cells/cm<NUM> and cultured in growth medium at <NUM> under <NUM>% CO<NUM>. The focal adhesion and mechanosensing of the stem cells were evaluated while tuning nano-periodicity alone in the nanobarcode of ligand sequences: [<NUM>(<NUM>)<NUM>], [<NUM>(<NUM>)<NUM>], [<NUM>(<NUM>)<NUM>], and [<NUM>(<NUM>)<NUM>] according to the present invention. Further, the focal adhesion and mechanosensing of the stem cells were evaluated while tuning both nano-periodicity and ligand sequences by using the nanobarcode of the ligand sequences [<NUM>(<NUM>)<NUM>], [<NUM>(<NUM>)<NUM>], [<NUM>(<NUM>)<NUM>], and [<NUM>(<NUM>)<NUM>]. Further, the effect of nano-periodicity in the RGD ligand sequences on the control of focal adhesion of the stem cells was evaluated by using the substrate with tunable nano-periodicity in the scrambled ligand (RAD).

The mechanotransduction-mediated differentiation of the stem cells was evaluated under the tuning of nano-periodicity by using the groups of [<NUM>(<NUM>)<NUM>], [<NUM>(<NUM>)<NUM>], <IMG> [<NUM>(<NUM>)<NUM>] with inhibitors of ROCK (<NUM> Y27632), myosin II (<NUM> blebbistatin), or actin polymerization (<NUM>µg/mL cytochalasin D). The differentiation of adherent stem cells was evaluated under the tuning of both high nano-periodicity and ligand sequences after osteogenic induction medium culturing.

<FIG> is an immunofluorescent confocal image of stem cells cultured for <NUM> hours by using the nanobarcode according to the present invention against F-actin, nucleus, vinculin, and YA, and in this case, a scale bar represents <NUM>. a of <FIG> illustrates the case where nano-periodicity is tuned, and b of <FIG> illustrates a result of the case where nano-periodicity and ligand sequences are tuned.

<FIG> is a graph illustrating a result of quantification of the stem cells cultured for <NUM> hours in adherent cell density, cell spread area, focal adhesion number, aspect ratio (major/minor axis ratio), and nuclear/cytoplasmic YAP ratio from the immunofluorescent confocal image data of a of <FIG>.

Referring to a of <FIG> and <FIG>, the immunofluorescent confocal images revealed that stem cells adhered more strongly and spread of stem cells is promoted with increasing (from <NUM> to <NUM>) nano-periodicity presentation in ligand sequences. This was confirmed by the cell density, the spread area, the focal adhesion number, and the vinculin expression. Through this, it can be seen that the group with high ligand nano-periodicity of the nanobarcode according to the present invention promotes focal adhesion to stimulate nuclear translocation of YAP mechanotransduction of stem cells.

<FIG> is a graph illustrating a result of quantification of the stem cells cultured for <NUM> hours in adherent cell density, cell spread area, focal adhesion number, aspect ratio (major/minor axis ratio), and nuclear/cytoplasmic YAP ratio from the immunofluorescent confocal image data of b of <FIG>.

<FIG> is an immunofluorescent confocal image (a) of stem cells cultured for <NUM> hours by using scrambled RAD ligands according to a Comparative Example of the present invention against F-actin, nucleus, vinculin, and YAP, and in this case, a scale bar represents <NUM>. b of <FIG> is a graph illustrating a result of quantification of the stem cells cultured for <NUM> hours in adherent cell density, cell spread area, focal adhesion number, aspect ratio (major/minor axis ratio), and nuclear/cytoplasmic YAP ratio from the immunofluorescent confocal image data. Referring to <FIG>, it was confirmed that the tuning of nano-periodicity in the scrambled RAD ligand sequences did not affect adhesion of stem cells.

Referring to b of <FIG> and <FIG>, four different nanobarcode groups in which both nano-periodicity and ligand sequences are tuned were prepared: :[<NUM>(<NUM>)<NUM>], [<NUM>(<NUM>)<NUM>], [<NUM>(<NUM>)<NUM>], and [<NUM>(<NUM>)<NUM>]. The nanobarcode with high nano-periodicity promoted focal adhesion and mechanosensing performance of stem cells. [<NUM>(<NUM>)<NUM>] vs. [<NUM>(<NUM>)<NUM>] and [<NUM>(<NUM>)<NUM>] vs. [<NUM>(<NUM>)<NUM>]. This confirmed that the nanobarcode with high ligand nano-periodicity exhibited enhanced cell adhesion with closer ligand presentation without modulating ligand density. In particular, it was confirmed that by changing the ligand sequences alone in the nanobarcode with the same nano-periodicity, ligand that is available only at the end sequence of nanobarcode [<NUM>(<NUM>)<NUM>] stimulated focal adhesion and mechanosensing of stem cells compared to ligand that is available only in the inner sequence of nanobarcode [<NUM>(<NUM>)<NUM>]. Through this, it can be seen that it is possible to regulate cellular adhesion by modulating nanobarcode ligand spacing with different ligand sequences.

Therefore, it is possible to regulate adhesion of stem cells by modulating a ligand location in the sequences and the ligand spacing of the nanobarcode.

The experiment on whether the tuning of the nano-periodicity of the ligand sequences by using the nanobarcode according to the present invention controls the phenotypic polarization-mediated adhesion of stem cells was conducted as described below, and the results are represented in <FIG>.

The focal adhesion and mechanosensing of stem cells regulate their osteogenic differentiation, which was evaluated among groups with nano-periodicity in ligand sequences: [<NUM>(<NUM>)<NUM>], [<NUM>(<NUM>)<NUM>], and [<NUM>(<NUM>)<NUM>].

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating an experimental result for mechanotransduction of stem cells in vitro and in vivo by tuning nano-periodicity in ligand sequences by using the nanobarcode according to the present invention. a of <FIG> is an immunofluorescent confocal image of RUNX2, F-actin, nuclei, and YAP with ROCK inhibition (Y27632), and ALP staining, and in this case, the scale bar is <NUM>. b of <FIG> is a schematic diagram illustrating the case where the substrate including the nanobarcode with ligand nano-periodicity in vivo is subcutaneously implanted and then hMSC is injected. c of <FIG> is an immunofluorescent confocal image of vinculin, F-actin, nuclei, and YAP in the case where the hMSC is injected, and in this case, the scale bar is <NUM>.

<FIG> is a graph illustrating a result of a quantification analysis of a nuclear/cytoplasmic RUNX2 fluorescence ratio and alkaline phosphatase-positive cells after stem cells are cultured on a substrate including the nanobarcode with nano-periodicity for <NUM> days, based on the immunofluorescent confocal image of a of <FIG>.

<FIG> is a graph illustrating a result of a quantification analysis of a nuclear/cytoplasmic RUNX2 and ALP genes expression profile after stem cells are cultured on a substrate including the nanobarcode with nano-periodicity for <NUM> days, based on the immunofluorescent confocal image of a of <FIG>.

Referring to a of <FIG>, <FIG>, it can be seen that the high nano-periodicity of the ligand sequences facilitates mechanotransduction of stem cells in vitro and in vivo to control differentiation of stem cells.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating an experimental result for mechanotransduction of stem cells in vitro by tuning nano-periodicity in ligand sequences and ligand sequences by using the nanobarcode according to the present invention. a of <FIG> is an immunofluorescent confocal image of RUNX2, F-actin, nuclei, and YAP with ROCK inhibition (Y27632), and ALP staining, and in this case, the scale bar is <NUM>. b of <FIG> is a graph illustrating a result of a quantification analysis of a nuclear/cytoplasmic RUNX2 fluorescence ratio and alkaline phosphatase-positive cells after stem cells are cultured on a substrate including the nanobarcode with nano-periodicity for <NUM> days. Referring to <FIG>, the differentiation of the stem cells is facilitated by high nano-periodicity in the ligand sequences: [<NUM>(<NUM>)<NUM>], [<NUM>(<NUM>)<NUM>], and [<NUM>(<NUM>)<NUM>].

<FIG> is an immunofluorescent confocal image of stem cells cultured for <NUM> hours by using the nanobarcode according to the present invention against integrin β1, FAK, p-FAK, RhoA, F-actin, and nucleus. Referring to <FIG>, the case where the nanobarcode with high nano-periodicity is included activated integrin β1, which serially stimulates intracellular mechanosensitive signaling via focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and its phosphorylation (p-FAK) that activates RhoA and TAZ mechanotransduction.

<FIG> is an immunofluorescent confocal image (a) of stem cells having actin polymerization inhibitor (cytochalasin D) cultured for <NUM> hours by using the nanobarcode according to the present invention against TAZ, vinculin, F-actin, and nucleus, and in this case, a scale bar represents <NUM>. b of <FIG> is a graph illustrating a calculation of a nuclear/cytoplasmic TAZ fluorescence ratio calculated from the immunofluorescent confocal image.

<FIG> is an immunofluorescent confocal image (a) of stem cells having actin polymerization inhibitor (cytochalasin D) and myosin II (blevisstatin) cultured for <NUM> hours by using the nanobarcode according to the present invention against YAP, F-actin, and nucleus, and in this case, a scale bar represents <NUM>. b of <FIG> is a graph illustrating a calculation of a nuclear/cytoplasmic YAP fluorescence ratio by inhibitors of Y27632, cytochalasin D, and blebbistatin calculated from the immunofluorescent confocal image.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, in the nanobarcode with the highest nano-periodicity [<NUM>(<NUM>)<NUM>], vinculin expression and nuclear translocation of YAP were significantly reduced when actin polymerization, rho-associated protein kinase (ROCK), and myosin II were inhibited by cytochalasin D. Through this, it can be seen that the high nano-periodicity of the nanobarcode induces mechanotransduction-mediated differentiation of stem cells to facilitate focal adhesion assembly.

The experiment was performed to confirm the adhesion and mechanotransduction of stem cells in vivo by using the nanobarcode according to the present invention, and a result thereof is represented in <FIG> and <FIG>.

As illustrated in b of <FIG>, the experiment was conducted by implanting the substrate including the nanobarcode under the skin of a nude mouse injected with hMSC.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating an experimental result for tuning adhesion of host stem cells in vivo by using the nanobarcode according to the present invention. a of <FIG> is an immunofluorescent confocal image of stem cells against human-specific nuclear antigen (HuNu), F-actin, and nucleus in the case of including the nanobarcode with different nano-periodicities <NUM> hours after the injection of hMSC on the subcutaneously implanted substrate, and in this case, a scale bar is <NUM>. b of <FIG> is a graph of a calculation of density of adherent cells from the immunofluorescent confocal image. Referring to <FIG>, immunofluorescence of human-specific nuclear antigen (HuNu) showed that hMSCs adhered onto the substrate in vivo by colocalization of HuNu and dapi-stained nuclei in the nanobarcodes of [<NUM>(<NUM>)<NUM>], [<NUM>(<NUM>)<NUM>], and [<NUM>(<NUM>)<NUM>]. The hMSCs adhered in considerably higher adherent cell density corresponding to increasing nano-periodicity presentation in ligand sequences. Furthermore, host immune cells were recruited and adhered onto the substrate in higher adherent cell density with increasing nano-periodicity in ligand sequences over a prolonged time following implantation.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating an experimental result for focal adhesion-mediated mechanotransduction of host stem cells in vivo by using the nanobarcode according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, and is a graph illustrating a calculation of a cell spread area, focal adhesion number, aspect ratio (major/minor axis ratio), and a nuclear/cytoplasmic YAP fluorescence ratio <NUM> hours after hMSC was injected onto the subcutaneously implanted substrate from the immunofluorescent confocal image illustrated in c of <FIG>.

Claim 1:
A nanobarcode for controlling regenerative cells, comprising:
a nanobarcode in which a first segment including iron (Fe) and a second segment including gold (Au) are repeatedly formed; and
an integrin ligand peptide bound to the second segment of the nanobarcode,
wherein the regenerative cell is a stem cell or a macrophage,
the regenerative cell adheres to the second segment,
wherein the integrin ligand peptide is an RGD peptide and the nanobarcode controls adhesion and differentiation of the stem cell or controlling adhesion and polarization of the macrophage, and wherein the nanobarcode is provided in a rod shape satisfying Equation <NUM> or Equation <NUM> below,

        [Equation <NUM>]     [L(M<NUM>M<NUM>)q]

        [Equation <NUM>]     [L(M<NUM>M<NUM>M<NUM>M<NUM>)q]

herein, M<NUM> is the first segment, M<NUM> is the second segment, q is the number of times of the repetition of the first and second segments on the barcode, wherein q is a integer of from <NUM> to <NUM>, and L is the total lengths in nanometers of the first and second segments and L is an integer between <NUM> and <NUM> and given in nm.