A simplified approach to control cell adherence on biologically derived in vitro cell culture scaffolds by direct UV-mediated RGD linkage

J Mater Sci Mater Med. 2020 Oct 14;31(10):89. doi: 10.1007/s10856-020-06446-x.

Abstract

In this work, we present a method to fabricate a hyaluronic acid (HA) hydrogel with spatially controlled cell-adhesion properties based on photo-polymerisation cross-linking and functionalization. The approach utilises the same reaction pathway for both steps meaning that it is user-friendly and allows for adaptation at any stage during the fabrication process. Moreover, the process does not require any additional cross-linkers. The hydrogel is formed by UV-initiated radical addition reaction between acrylamide (Am) groups on the HA backbone. Cell adhesion is modulated by functionalising the adhesion peptide sequence arginine-glycine-aspartate onto the hydrogel surface via radical mediated thiol-ene reaction using the non-reacted Am groups. We show that 10 × 10 µm2 squares could be patterned with sharp features and a good resolution. The smallest area that could be patterned resulting in good cell adhesion was 25 × 25 µm2 squares, showing single-cell adhesion. Mouse brain endothelial cells adhered and remained in culture for up to 7 days on 100 × 100 µm2 square patterns. We see potential for this material combination for future use in novel organ-on-chip models and tissue engineering where the location of the cells is of importance and to further study endothelial cell biology.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Arginine / chemistry
  • Aspartic Acid / chemistry
  • Biocompatible Materials / chemistry*
  • Brain / metabolism
  • Cell Adhesion
  • Cell Culture Techniques / methods*
  • Cross-Linking Reagents / chemistry
  • Endothelial Cells / metabolism
  • Glycine / chemistry
  • Hyaluronic Acid / chemistry
  • Hydrogels / chemistry*
  • In Vitro Techniques
  • Kinetics
  • Mice
  • Oligopeptides / chemistry*
  • Peptides / chemistry
  • Polymers / chemistry
  • Stress, Mechanical
  • Sulfhydryl Compounds / chemistry*
  • Tissue Engineering / methods
  • Ultraviolet Rays

Substances

  • Biocompatible Materials
  • Cross-Linking Reagents
  • Hydrogels
  • Oligopeptides
  • Peptides
  • Polymers
  • Sulfhydryl Compounds
  • Aspartic Acid
  • arginyl-glycyl-aspartic acid
  • Hyaluronic Acid
  • Arginine
  • Glycine