Interaction of Tissue Engineering Substrates with Serum Proteins and Its Influence on Human Primary Endothelial Cells

Biomacromolecules. 2017 Feb 13;18(2):413-421. doi: 10.1021/acs.biomac.6b01504. Epub 2017 Jan 24.

Abstract

Polymer-based biomaterials particularly polycaprolactone (PCL) are one of the most promising substrates for tissue engineering. The surface chemistry of these materials plays a major role since it governs protein adsorption, cell adhesion, viability, degradation, and biocompatibility in the first place. This study correlates the interaction of the most abundant serum proteins (albumin, immunoglobulins, fibrinogen) with the surface properties of PCL and its influence on the morphology and metabolic activity of primary human arterial endothelial cells that are seeded on the materials. Prior to that, thin films of PCL are manufactured by spin-coating and characterized in detail. A quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation (QCM-D), a multiparameter surface plasmon resonance spectroscopy instrument (MP-SPR), wettability data, and atomic force microscopy are combined to elucidate the pH-dependent protein adsorption on the PCL substrates. Primary endothelial cells are cultured on the protein modified polymer, and conclusions are drawn on the significant impact of type and form of proteins coatings on cell morphology and metabolic activity.

MeSH terms

  • Blood Proteins / metabolism*
  • Cell Adhesion / physiology*
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Endothelial Cells / cytology
  • Endothelial Cells / metabolism*
  • Fibrinogen / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions
  • Immunoglobulins / metabolism
  • Materials Testing
  • Polyesters / metabolism*
  • Polymers / chemistry*
  • Quartz Crystal Microbalance Techniques
  • Serum Albumin / metabolism
  • Surface Properties
  • Tissue Engineering

Substances

  • Blood Proteins
  • Immunoglobulins
  • Polyesters
  • Polymers
  • Serum Albumin
  • polycaprolactone
  • Fibrinogen