Enhanced cell growth on nanotextured GaN surface treated by UV illumination and fibronectin adsorption

Semiconductors are important materials used for the development of high-performance biomedical devices. Gallium nitride (GaN) is a well-known III-nitride semiconductor with excellent optoelectronic properties as well as high chemical stability and biocompatibility. The formation of tight interfaces between GaN substrates and cells would be crucial for GaN-based devices used for probing and manipulating biological processes of cells. Here we report a strategy to greatly enhance cell adhesion and survival on nanotextured GaN surface which was treated by UV illumination and fibronectin (FN) adsorption. Cell studies showed that the UV/FN treatment greatly enhanced cell adhesion and growth on nanotextured GaN surfaces. These observations suggest new opportunities for novel nanotextured GaN-based biomedical devices.