Polymer latexes for cell-resistant and cell-interactive surfaces

Abstract

Novel polymer latexes were prepared that can be applied in several ways for the control and study of cell behavior on surfaces. Acrylic latexes with glass transitions ranging from -30 to 100 degrees C were synthesized by dispersion polymerization in a water and alcohol solution using an amphiphilic comb copolymer as a stabilizing agent. The comb had a poly(methyl methacrylate) backbone and hydrophilic poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) side chains, which served to stabilize the dispersion and create a robust hydrophilic coating on the final latex particles. The end groups of the comb stabilizer can be selectively functionalized to obtain latex particles with a controlled density of ligands tethered to their surfaces. Latexes were prepared with adhesion peptides (RGD) linked to the surface of the acrylic beads to induce attachment and spreading of cells. Coalesced films obtained from the RGD-bearing latex particles promoted attachment of WT NR6 fibroblasts, while films from unmodified latex particles were resistant to these cells. Additionally, RGD-linked beads were embedded in cell-resistant comb polymer films to create cell-interactive surfaces with discrete clustered-ligand domains. Cell attachment and morphology were seen to vary with the surface density of the RGD-bearing latex beads.

Integrin-mediated adhesion and proliferation of human MSCs elicited by a hydroxyproline-lacking, collagen-like peptide

“…In contrast, in our studies on the soft HA-particle-based gels, we have observed that the cells remain viable, attach, and spread on a soft matrix displaying CLP-Cys. In addition, previous studies have also demonstrated that cell adhesion and cellular responses not only depend on receptor binding but on several other substrate-related factors such as substrate flexibility [60], substrate stiffness [59], nature of cell-substrate interface/interaction [61], height and depth of the surface irregularities presenting the cell binding ligand and the density of ligands [62–64]. In this study, we have not altered CLP-Cys density on the surfaces, which may present future opportunities for optimizing cellular responses to these materials.…”

Protein adsorption and cell adhesion on nanoscale bioactive coatings formed from poly(ethylene glycol) and albumin microgels

“…Covalent linkage of PLL- g -PEG to aldehyde-functionalized PET may lead to more stable coatings [58]. Banerjee et al used a comb copolymer of methyl methacrylate (MMA) and PEG-methacrylate (PEGMA)/methyl PEGMA, as well as a coalesced PMMA latex, to coat glass substrates to a thickness of 225 nm, which completely inhibited N46 fibroblast adhesion for 24 h [59]. More similar to the current study, Groll et al tested star-PEG molecules with six isocyanate-terminated arms in which crosslinking was initiated just prior to spin-coating on substrates to a thickness of 30 nm.…”

“…Adsorption of high molecular weight PEG/polylysine copolymers onto endovascular stents reduces restenosis after implantation,[8] although long-term stability of the adsorbed copolymers may be a concern [9]. Copolymers of methyl methacrylate and PEG are also quite effective in reducing non-specific cell adhesion on a variety of surfaces [10–13]. A single or very thin crosslinked layer of “star” (multiarm) PEG reduces non-specific cell adhesion on surfaces [14–16].…”

Liquid–liquid two-phase systems for the production of porous hydrogels and hydrogel microspheres for biomedical applications: A tutorial review

“…The stabilizer itself could also be dissolved in ethanol/water and spin coated onto substrates, producing films that resisted non-specific cell adhesion. Microspheres containing RGD were embedded in continuous films of stabilizer that did not contain RGD, presenting cell adhesion peptide to cells at discrete locations [140]. …”