Effect of changes in the surface chemistry and topography of poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) on the in vitro attachment of human corneal epithelial cells

Abstract

The effects on cell adhesion induced by changes in the topography and chemistry of poly(2hydroxyethyl methacrylate) hydrogel surfaces were investigated in vitro using the human corneal epithelial cell line, HCE-T. Poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) surfaces with a lotusleaf-like topography and poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) surfaces with a flat topography, but functionalized with the cell-adhesive peptide sequence Arg-Gly-Asp, both enhanced attachment of HCE-T cells as compared to flat, non-functionalized poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) surfaces. However, the simultaneous existence on the same poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) surface of Arg-Gly-Asp motifs and of lotus-leaf-like topographical patterns led to an apparently antagonistic effect reflected in reduced cell attachment. The study provided additional evidence of the complexity of the cell-biomaterial interactions.

Polymer Microparticles with Defined Surface Chemistry and Topography Mediate the Formation of Stem Cell Aggregates and Cardiomyocyte Function

“…Accordingly, there have been a number of methods developed to derivatize PLA surfaces to enhance or control their interactions with biomolecules and cells . These include plasma treatment, solvent swelling followed by polymer entrapment from solvent/nonsolvent mixtures, and adsorption or grafting of amphiphilic co-polymers. − In many cases, the aim has been to promote attachment of eukaryotic cells so that the PLA matrix can act as a support for tissue growth, and multiple papers have shown that chemical functionalization of the biomaterial’s surface can enhance or reduce the interactions between varying cell types and substrates. − …”