Johan Brink

Influence of systematically varied nanoscale topography on the morphology of epithelial cells

With the knowledge that cells can react to lithographically manufactured nanometer-sized surface objects, our interest concerned whether cells would respond to surface structures of systematically increasing size. Our approach to answer this question was to fabricate surfaces with the same surface chemistry and similar surface roughness but increasing size of structural features. To fabricate large areas of patterned surfaces, required for cell culture studies, we used colloidal lithography utilizing colloidal particles as a template for surface nanostructuring. The fabricated surfaces contained hemispherical nanopillars with diameters ranging from 60 to 170 nm. Changes in cell morphology of a pancreatic epithelial cell line (AR4-2J) were studied by evaluating cell area and cell shape. The latter was studied by applying the cell shape classification method using three shape descriptors. The pancreatic cells responded in a systematic way to the surface nanostructures. The cells spread more and became more nonround when cultured on surfaces with increasing size of the topographic features.

Conceptualizing and Measuring Modern Biotechnology

This book offers a novel insight into the economic dynamics of modern biotechnology, using examples from Europe to reflect global trends. The authors apply theoretical insight to a fundamental enigma of the modern learning society, namely, how and why the development of knowledge and ideas interact with market processes and the formation of industries and firms.

Developing Capabilities: An Analysis of Biotechnology in two Regions in Australia and Sweden

Abstract This article analyses whether regions develop capabilities in terms of scientific, technological and business activities within specific biotechnology areas. We take a broad definition of biotechnology, and identify four industry areas: (1) core biotechnology; (2) drugs; (3) medical technologies; (4) agriculture. Capabilities and specialization-diversification are analysed for the regions of Gothenburg in western Sweden, and Brisbane in Queensland, Australia, for the period 1997–2001. These regions are relatively ordinary, and not well-studied, biotech mega-centres. The results suggest there are positive feedback mechanisms that occur in co-located activities developing regional capabilities. Regional success within biotechnology, then, is related to the existence of all or most of the different value adding activities within a sector, as well as being reasonably diversified within related sectors. This is true for all measured industry areas, although regional capability development within core biotechnology shows signs of a relatively more disruptive pattern.

The Dynamics of Regional Specialization in Modern Biotechnology: Comparing Two Regions in Sweden and Two Regions in Australia , 1977-2001

This book offers a novel insight into the economic dynamics of modern biotechnology, using examples from Europe to reflect global trends. The authors apply theoretical insight to a fundamental enigma of the modern learning society, namely, how and why the development of knowledge and ideas interact with market processes and the formation of industries and firms.